Survey: 38% of kids will mimic adults’ toxic behaviour
June 12, 2024
A YouGov survey commissioned by EE has revealed that two fifths (38 per cent) of kids aged 6-15 will copy behaviour of adults, online and offline, if they see it is positively reinforced, even if they think it’s wrong.
Furthermore, the research highlights the true exposure to hate that kids suffer with today across the online and offline spectrum with over a third (37 per cent) of kids reporting experiencing hate in their childhood to date.
A fifth (22 per cent) of children have experienced hate because of their gender both online and offline, while 17 per cent experience it because of skin colour or where their family comes from. Youngsters also report experiencing hate related to their faith, beliefs or ways of worshipping (15 per cent) and disability (13 per cent).
The findings are in addition to a new study by EE, also in partnership with YouGov, which revealed that three fifths (61 per cent) of GB adults have personally experienced hate either in person or online in the last year, with racism (45 per cent) and sexism (38 per cent) being the most prevalent forms of hate witnessed.
These results are particularly concerning given how impressionable children at this age are; 1 in 10 (13 per cent) kids now think it’s acceptable to use words that are mean or hurtful when it is related to sport and 11 per cent think it’s okay to be use words that are mean or hurtful online because it isn’t real life.
The prevalence of hate is not just negatively shaping the behaviour of the next generation but is also having a serious impact on how they feel, as more than two fifths (43 per cent) of kids report feeling angry or sad when they see family, or friends be abusive to other people. A similar number (44 per cent) of kids also report feeling sad or angry when they see hate aimed at their favourite sportspeople.
As the UK public heads into a significant summer of sport, it is likely that hate and its effects will be exacerbated. So, it’s more important than ever that people take accountability for their actions and the impact it can have on those around them. Currently, a fifth (21 per cent) of adults admit to rarely or never considering the implications of their behaviour.
It’s the duty of society to behave better to protect and shape the next generation. EE, via the Proud Supporter Programme, an online hub designed to empower the nation to celebrate and support true fandom this summer, is on hand to help society on this journey and make it more inclusive for all.
The research and content forms part of EE’s ‘Hate. Not In My Shirt’, a campaign that calls on fans to be ‘proud supporters’ and to stand together and challenge hate in football. The campaign – which is being unveiled in installments over the coming weeks – celebrates the moments in the sport that make people proud to wear the shirt, whilst highlighting the behaviour not fit for it.
The research reinforces the importance of positive fandom as four fifths (82 per cent) of children in the UK report feeling happy when exposed to acts of positivity, both online and offline.
Former England international footballer, Shaun Wright-Phillips, commented: “Football isn’t just about supporting our team; it’s about ensuring the next generation can grow up to be proper football fans, free from the toxic behavior that spoils the sport we love. This is why campaigns like this one are so important: ensuring everyone can enjoy football and, just as importantly, making sure that children are spared hateful and abusive behaviour.”
Marc Allera, CEO of EE, added: “It has been great to work with so many passionate, articulate young people who have helped lay bare the issue of hate. This is exactly the reason why EE continues to be at the forefront of the battle against online and offline abuse: as our campaign ‘Hate. Not in my Shirt’ continues throughout the summer, we remain committed to ensuring everyone can live a life free from hate, in football and beyond.”