Exploring how online influence shapes beliefs, behaviour, and risk, and how practitioners can respond effectively.

This session explores the growing influence of online misogyny and harmful belief systems on young people’s attitudes, relationships, and behaviour. Drawing on current evidence, including findings from the Youth Endowment Fund and The Children’s Society, the session reframes online harm as a safeguarding issue rooted in identity, influence, and belief formation.

Participants will examine how exposure to online content can shape thinking over time, often before risk is visible in behaviour. The session introduces the concept of ideological grooming, helping practitioners recognise how beliefs are formed, reinforced, and normalised.

Through real-world examples and practical strategies, the session supports practitioners to move beyond managing behaviour and instead explore underlying beliefs, challenge harmful narratives, and strengthen positive identity. Specific guidance is also provided for female practitioners who may encounter misogynistic attitudes in their work.

This session is designed to build confidence, deepen understanding, and support earlier, more effective intervention.

Learning objectives

• Understand how online influence contributes to belief formation and safeguarding risk
• Recognise the concept of ideological grooming and its relevance to practice
• Identify how harmful beliefs may present in behaviour, language, and relationships
• Apply practical strategies to explore, challenge, and respond to belief-driven risk
• Reflect on gender dynamics in practice, including how to respond to misogynistic attitudes safely and effectively

This session is led by Junior Smart.