‘Words matter. Jokes matter’: young men urged to call out online misogyny
Wednesday 16 September 2026
Young men and boys across Northern Ireland are being urged to challenge misogyny in group chats, gaming platforms and social media as new figures show increases in reports of online stalking, harassment, blackmail and intimate image abuse.
Between 1 April 2025 and 31 March 2026, police recorded 1,971 reports of online stalking and harassment — a 12% increase on the previous year — alongside 591 reports of online blackmail, up 11%, and 110 reports involving the sharing of indecent images or so-called ‘revenge porn’, up 21%.
The figures form the backdrop to the second phase of the Power to Change campaign, led by the Police Service of Northern Ireland, Department of Justice and The Executive Office, which is shifting its focus to the online spaces where harmful attitudes towards women and girls can develop and spread.
From online comments to real-world harm
Rather than concentrating only on behaviour that has already become criminal, the campaign asks young men to consider how everyday words, jokes, images and interactions can help normalise misogyny — and what they can do when they see it happening.
Its central question is: “What type of man do you want to be?”
Six new campaign films use situations involving group chats, gaming platforms, comment sections and social feeds to encourage discussion about how men and boys can question harmful comments, refuse to share abusive material, support someone being targeted or speak privately to a friend whose behaviour has crossed a line.
Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said prevention was at the heart of the initiative.
“Power to Change has always been about prevention. Policing has an obvious role when behaviour becomes criminal, but as a society we also need to ask what happens before we reach that point.
“Words matter. Jokes matter. What we like, share and allow to go unchallenged online matters.
“This campaign isn’t about blaming young men. It’s about recognising the positive influence men and boys can have on each other.
“You don’t need a confrontation or a big speech to make a difference. Sometimes it’s questioning a comment, refusing to share something, checking in with someone who is being targeted or having a quiet word with a mate.
“Those small moments can set a different standard. We all have the Power to Change.”
Jodie Morrow shares her experience
The campaign is also highlighting the real-world consequences online behaviour can have through the experience of Jodie Morrow, who was 19 and studying in Belfast when she matched with then 25-year-old Ezra Garfield — at the time known as Riagain Grainger — on a dating app in March 2020.
According to the campaign account, the pair went on a couple of dates before Garfield disclosed that he was on bail in connection with a previous case. Jodie ended contact, after which she was subjected to months of harassment, including repeated calls and messages and disturbing images apparently sent by other people but which the campaign says Garfield was behind.
The campaign says Garfield also falsely told police he remained in a relationship with Jodie and made counter-allegations against her. He was subsequently jailed for 19 months, with a further 19 months on supervised licence, for stalking involving serious harm and distress.
Jodie has since worked with the PSNI to strengthen police training and understanding of online harassment cases and is speaking at the launch of the second phase of Power to Change.
She said:
“Ultimately, my case began with a man unable to take rejection. His entitlement and sense of ownership over me, despite being in the early days of getting to know each other, laid the groundwork for four months of harassment.
“There is no simple solution to tackle violence, abuse, intimidation and harassment of women and girls, but hopefully this campaign will continue to challenge attitudes and move the needle towards a safer society for all of us.”
Ministers back focus on online behaviour
First Minister Michelle O’Neill said the latest phase takes the campaign into the online spaces where young people spend much of their time.
“Online words can have real-life consequences, and behind every comment, message or post is a real person. By challenging harmful attitudes, calling out misogyny and choosing respect, we can all use our power to drive lasting change and help make women and girls safer.”
Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said ideas encountered online could influence attitudes and behaviour in everyday life.
“We all know that what happens online does not stay online. Ideas influence attitudes, attitudes influence behaviour, and behaviour affects real lives which is why I would encourage everyone to engage with the campaign’s message and use it as an opportunity to start conversations about respect, healthy relationships and the role we can all play in creating positive change.
“Whether it’s challenging a harmful comment, refusing to share harmful content, or supporting someone who has been targeted, small actions make a real difference and I have no doubt this campaign will make an impact.”
Justice Minister Naomi Long said social media offered opportunities to learn and connect but could also allow harmful attitudes to spread rapidly.
“Online misogyny, discrimination, hatred, or prejudice directed towards women and girls, can normalise disrespect, fuel harassment, and create environments where abuse is tolerated. I therefore warmly welcome phase two of the Power to Change campaign and its focus on challenging inappropriate online content and behaviours”.
Manosphere, AI and extreme pornography
A refreshed Power to Change website will provide practical information aimed at young people, including material examining the ‘manosphere’ and harmful gender narratives and ‘Man to Man’ conversations exploring positive ideas of masculinity.
Resources will also examine how online sexual content can influence attitudes towards relationships, consent and women and girls, as well as the challenges posed by newer technologies such as artificial intelligence and exposure to harmful material including extreme pornography.
The aim is to encourage young people to question what they encounter online rather than consuming or sharing material without considering its origins, message or potential effect on others.
The first phase of Power to Change reached 3.1 million people through paid and organic Facebook and Instagram activity, according to campaign figures. TikTok generated 1.2 million impressions and YouTube delivered 2.4 million impressions, while campaign films were viewed more than 70,000 times. More than 4,100 people visited the dedicated website.
More than 400 community groups, political parties and support organisations received campaign materials, while 418 teachers were trained to support its rollout in post-primary settings.
How to find out more
Information, guidance and resources from the campaign are available at powertochange.info.
The second phase ultimately asks men and boys to recognise that challenging misogyny does not always require a dramatic intervention: questioning a comment, refusing to pass on harmful material or supporting someone being targeted can help establish a different standard in the online spaces they use every day.
