Police are warning that online influencers, such as Andrew Tate, are driving boys and young men toward extreme misogyny in a way that is deeply concerning. Senior police officer Maggie Blyth has likened the radicalization process to how terrorists recruit followers. The National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) has labeled the issue a “national emergency” in its recent report on violence against women and girls.
The NPCC estimates that at least one in 12 women in England and Wales will experience violence annually, affecting around two million women. The problem is reportedly growing, with increasingly complex types of offending. Deputy Chief Constable Blyth mentioned that officers specializing in violence against women and girls (VAWG) are now collaborating with counter-terrorism teams to address the risk of young men being radicalized, highlighting the significant social media effect on youth and teens.
Speaking about the harmful online content, Blyth said, “We know the influencers, Andrew Tate, the element of influencing particularly boys, is quite terrifying.” Tate, a British-American influencer who gained fame from his appearance on Big Brother in 2016, is currently awaiting trial in Romania on charges of rape, human trafficking, and forming a criminal gang to exploit women, all of which he denies. Schools across the UK have reported a growing number of students who admire Tate, showcasing the profound influencers’ effect on youth.
The NPCC and College of Policing’s report, published on Tuesday, describes violence against women and girls as reaching “epidemic” levels. It estimates that one in 20 adults, or 2.3 million people, perpetrate such violence each year. Deputy Chief Constable Blyth emphasized the scale and impact of these crimes, noting that public and industry awareness is insufficient.
The report highlights several key threats, including sexual violence, domestic abuse, stalking, and child sexual abuse. It notes a 37% increase in violent crimes against women and girls from 2018 to 2023, with over one million such crimes recorded in England and Wales last year, accounting for 20% of all recorded crimes. Domestic abuse, in particular, remains one of the biggest demands on police resources.
The College of Policing plans to create a central hub to provide police forces with specialist knowledge and training. The government supports this initiative and aims to halve violence against women and girls over the next decade. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has prioritized this issue, with Labour’s manifesto promising new specialist domestic abuse workers in 999 control rooms and specialist rape investigation units in every police force across England and Wales. This plan would require more trained officers and resources amid existing challenges in policing, including retention and morale issues.
The rise of influencers and the social media effect on youth and teens have exacerbated issues such as mental health concerns and radicalization. Blyth’s statements reflect the growing recognition of the influencers’ effect on mental health, particularly among young people. The increasing influence of individuals like Andrew Tate demonstrates the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to combat the negative impacts of social media and online influencers on society.
