A Norfolk mental health charity has warned of the dangers of harmful online influences following the conviction of a 15-year-old who attempted to murder a fellow pupil at a Norwich school.
MensCraft, which has spent more than 18 years supporting men and boys, said evidence heard during the trial at King's Lynn Crown Court raised serious questions about the influences shaping young people’s attitudes towards women, violence and masculinity.
The warning follows the conviction of a teenage boy for attempted murder after he stabbed a fellow pupil at Thorpe St Andrew School.
The court heard evidence of the boy’s expressed hatred of women, fascination with killers and violence, and internet searches relating to Elliot Rodger, whose 2014 killing spree in California has made him a notorious figure within online incel communities.
Shantinara Allard, chief executive of Norwich-based MensCraft, said the evidence highlighted the need for greater understanding of the messages young people are encountering online.
He said: “We are deeply concerned by the evidence reported during the trial of the teenage boy found guilty of attempted murder following the stabbing of a fellow pupil at Thorpe St Andrew School in Norwich.
“Lives are forever changed after an event like this, and the impacts should never be overlooked. Our thoughts are with the individual who was attacked, her family and the wider school community.”
While stressing that it would be wrong to attribute the attack to any single influence, Mr Allard said the evidence should prompt wider questions about how harmful attitudes develop.
“The evidence reported raises serious questions about the influences shaping young people’s attitudes towards women, violence and relationships, and how we recognise warning signs before they escalate," he said.
“It is important to recognise the negative impacts it does have on those who engage with it, and the factors that fuel engagement of boys and men.”
The charity’s youth programme manager, Cody Sollows, said the fact that both teenagers were just 15 at the time of the attack made the case particularly disturbing.
He said: “We need to understand what is happening in boys’ lives, what messages they are exposed to, how these messages influence their understanding of masculinity, and what can be done to bring these conversations into safe spaces.”
He warned that loneliness, isolation and uncertainty about identity could leave some boys vulnerable to harmful messages, particularly those encountered online, adding they need "opportunities to talk openly".
MensCraft runs an adolescence programme called Finding My Way, which provides opportunities for boys to explore their identities, develop confidence and understand how to build healthy relationships.
Mr Sollows described how the charity’s approach focused on connection and belonging rather than blaming or judging young people.
He said: “Early intervention is essential to preventing these vulnerabilities.
“This is why we offer support to boys, parents, and professionals. If we all take time to reflect how we view boys and communicate with them, we can begin the journey of preventing harmful masculine identities.”
The charity has also been working to bring the debate about masculinity and online influences into wider public discussion.
Earlier this year, it hosted an event called The Manosphere: Why it Appeal to Adolescent Boys and How to Talk About It, examining the online influences shaping boys’ and men’s attitudes.
The term describes a loosely connected collection of online communities discussing masculinity, relationships and men’s issues, some of which promote misogynistic attitudes and hostility towards women.
MensCraft is now preparing to host another public discussion examining the information and influences shaping young people’s understanding of the world.
Its event, Who Do We Trust? Growing Up in a World of Misinformation, Influence and AI, will take place at Norwich Cathedral on November 12. Tickets are available via Eventbrite.
The discussion will explore how misinformation, algorithms, online communities and artificial intelligence influence what young people see, believe and trust.
The charity hopes the event will encourage parents, schools, youth professionals and the wider community to examine how young people are navigating an increasingly complex online environment.
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