We must unite to protect young men from harmful online content fuelling violence

The plotline of new Netflix drama Adolescence has become a familiar reality in our society, says Record View.

The unchecked torrent of harmful material being consumed on screens every day is causing untold damage to young people.

New Netflix show Adolescence focuses with some power on the impact of where it can all end up.

The drama has become this year’s big thing on TV because it captures the pressures and influences boys and young men are under.

The liberal flow of vile online content is fuelling toxic masculinity, driving male violence against women and warping values that have existed for generations.

And it is those who may have experienced childhood abuse and trauma themselves who are most vulnerable to being steered off the tracks.

We are today warned the misogyny shown in Adolescence reflects what is going on among real-life young Scots. Not so long ago, a child on child murder would be a news event that would dominate headlines for months.

But that plotline of Adolescence is now a familiar reality, as boys and young men turn to violence to find their niche in a warped world.

We must unite against the wave of harm that is coming from the social media accounts of the likes of so-called influencer Andrew Tate.

Social media giants must stop the flow of material that glorifies knives, guns and misogyny.

And each element of Scottish society – through infancy to school days and beyond – must strive to positively shape young lives.

Internet virus

A top Scottish doctor believes we wouldn’t be able to cope with another pandemic due to online misinformation.

David Chung says people talking nonsense online would mean that large parts of the public would believe a virus spreading was a hoax.

This would result in many not obeying the rules and increased deaths. It is scary that this is the case and shows the grip which fake news spread on the internet has over us.

In a similar way to the issues raised in the TV show Adolescence, what happens online can have hugely negative impacts. We must be on our guard.

When following health advice, make sure you are not falling for any crank making big claims online. Listen to experts who have a breadth of knowledge and experience in the field.

The consequences of online misinformation are real. Hopefully we won’t find ourselves in the same situation again where we need to lock down.

But if we do, it is important that we trust the right sources, rather than randoms spouting rubbish on the internet.