The Role of Positive Values in the Digital Age.
The Impact of Social Media on Young Minds – What We’re Seeing in Classrooms
At Shin Gi Tai Martial Arts Academy, we believe in building confident, respectful, and resilient young people.
That’s why we pay close attention to issues affecting today’s children — not just on the training mats, but in their daily lives too. One growing concern is the powerful influence of social media on young minds, particularly the rise of harmful attitudes fuelled by online influencers.
Recent findings from a survey in the UK of over 5,800 teachers have raised serious concerns about how social media influencers are shaping and directing young people’s behaviour — and not always for the better.
According to the NASUWT teaching union, nearly 60% of teachers report that pupil behaviour has worsened due to social media use. Worryingly, figures like Andrew Tate were named repeatedly as negative influences, with some teachers sharing examples of boys as young as 10 refusing to speak to female staff, and a rise in disrespectful language towards women.
How can we as parents combat this?
Model Respectful Relationships at Home
Children learn by example — and the most powerful influence starts right at home.
When parents consistently show respect in how they speak to and about others (especially across gender lines), it sets the standard. Small things — like listening without interrupting, treating disagreements calmly, or acknowledging another person’s achievements — can teach far more than a lecture ever will. Maske your home a place where kindness, empathy, and equality aren’t just ideals, but lived experiences.
Have the Awkward Conversations Early (and Often)
Don’t wait for school or TikTok or especially their friends to explain the world — get in first.
Conversations about healthy masculinity, respect for others, and online content need to happen before your child stumbles across harmful influencers. Keep it age-appropriate and honest, and remember: this isn’t a one-time “big talk.” Make it an open-door policy — where your child knows they can come to you with questions, doubts, or something they’ve seen online, without fear of being shut down or judged.
Get Them into Positive Communities with Strong Role Models
One of the best defences against toxic online voices is surrounding kids with positive, real-life role models.
That could be a coach, a teacher, or a martial arts instructor who reinforces values like discipline, humility, and respect. Activities like Karate and Kickboxing don’t just burn off energy — they build character, foster confidence, and teach that real strength means knowing when to stand tall and when to walk away. Plus, being part of a supportive team gives kids a sense of belonging — something many seek (and find the wrong version of) online.
Taster Session
To book your FREE taster session get in touch with us.
Government interest
These issues were a key topic at the NASUWT teaching union’s recent annual conference, where members called for action to help protect young people from harmful far-right and populist online content.
Even at the highest levels of government, concerns are growing. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer recently hosted talks about protecting boys from being drawn into online hatred, while MP Kemi Badenoch spoke movingly about the tragic loss of her young cousin to the darker corners of the internet.
Calls for mobile phone bans in schools are gaining traction, as leaders across the political spectrum recognise the urgent need to tackle the harmful impact of social media on young minds.
“99.8% of primary schools and 90% of secondary schools in England have now banned mobile phone use.”
In England, schools are taking strong action to protect young people from the harmful effects of mobile phone use during school hours.
A recent national survey, led by the Children’s Commissioner, found that 99.8% of primary schools and 90% of secondary schools now have some form of mobile phone ban in place — a swift and widespread shift aimed at safeguarding students’ wellbeing.
Daniel Kebede, General Secretary of the National Education Union (NEU), has gone further, calling for a statutory ban on mobile phones in schools across the country. He argues it would relieve pressure on school leaders, teachers, and parents — and, more importantly, help protect young people from the damaging content easily accessed online.
Kebede also highlighted the alarming reality that many young teenagers are exposed to extreme online material, which can harm their perceptions of relationships, women, and themselves.
With growing concern about the impact of mobile phones and social media, education leaders are now debating stronger regulation of tech companies — particularly to tackle harmful online content involving sexual violence and abuse.
At our Academy, we believe positive role models, healthy communities, and the right values are the best antidote.
Through Karate, Kickboxing, Tai Chi and other Martial Arts, we teach not only physical skills but also respect, self-discipline, and confidence — helping children and adults alike to stand strong against negativity and make positive choices in life.
If you’re looking for a place where your child can grow into a respectful, confident young adult, we’d love to welcome you to our Martial Arts family.
“The average 12-year-old now has access to harmful online content — early guidance and strong communities are vital.”
At our Martial Arts Academy in Basingstoke, we believe positive role models, healthy communities, and the right values are the best antidote.
Through Karate, Kung Fu, Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Tai Chi and other Martial Arts, we teach not only physical skills but also respect, self-discipline, and confidence — helping children and adults alike to stand strong against negativity and make positive choices in life.
If you’re looking for a place where your child can grow into a respectful, confident young adult, we’d love to welcome you to our Martial Arts family.
What our members think
I'd like to find out more please
Please enter your contact details below to book a free taster class and find out more about how we can help you.