Social media plays a significant role in most young people’s lives, and the rise of online misogyny means that boys and young men are often seeing harmful, sexist content even when they have not searched for it.
In 2026 Scottish Government launched a campaign on “Tackling Misogyny”, aiming to reach the audience of young men and boys aged 11-18, and ask them to question harmful sexist content when they see it and to understand its impact on girls in real life, including the ones they know. By choosing not to engage with sexist content online by not liking, sharing or commenting on it, boys and young men can help stop the spread.
Alongside talking to boys and young men, we are also speaking to parents and other influential adults, highlighting the scale and impact of the issue and asking them to start the conversation with the young people in their lives.
Scottish Government have provided a video for adults:
and a video for boys and young men:
Visit safer.scot for more information and support for young people, and ParentClub.scot for guidance on starting conversations with young people.
During normal office hours Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm Contact Orkney Health and Care Children and Families Services on 01856 873535 extension 3342 or if the person is an adult call 01856 873535 and ask for Adult Social Work
This will take you to The Balfour Hospital switchboard then you ask for the Emergency Social Worker.
