The image of the good knightIn the Middle Ages, a soldier dressed in armour who fought on a horse. saving the "damselA young woman who is not married. in distress" is one of the oldest tropesRepeated themes, images, metaphors and narratives. For instance, the "damsel in distress" is a trope in fairy tales and romantic novels. in fiction. But the reality has always been less clear.

A new report has found that in the year leading up to March 2023, more than a million violent crimes against women and children were recorded in England and Wales. Cases of child sexual abuse have grown quickly since 2013.

And, most worryingly of all, the averageTypical or usual. age of the suspectsPeople who police think may be involved in a crime. in these cases is just 15.

Many experts think social media is to blame, especially influencers who share sexistShowing prejudice or discriminating against women and girls. ideas like Andrew TateAn American-British media personality who has become notorious for controversial videos. He has been charged with rape and human trafficking. .

Tate is king of the so-called "manosphere", an online world in which men show anger with women. Many of its fans are teenage boys. Some say the only way to solve this problem is to shut down online influencers like Tate.

But others think this goes much deeper than social media. Around half of men who say they like Tate also claim not to agree with his views on women. What really draws them to him is the promise of success, and they pick up sexism along the way.

Life for women has changed quickly in the last 50 years. In 1975, only 57% of UK women had a job. Now, 80% of women aged 25 to 54 do. Women are also now more likely to go to universityWhen people leave school, they can go to university to study more and get a degree. than men.

Some men are now feeling left behind. And they are taking out their anger on women.

So experts say the only way to solve sexism is to change men's ideas about women and make sure everyone has the chance to be successful.

Are influencers to blame?

Yes! Tate and others like him are using the fear and anger of young men and boys to make an online business. They promise to teach them how to get rich - and at the same time fill their minds with sexist ideas.

No! Taking down influencers like Tate will not solve this problem. Men and boys have to be shown how equalityWhen everyone has equal rights and opportunities. for women helps everyone. They need reasons to hope.

FOR YOUR SUMMER READING CHALLENGE CLUE GO TO STEP SIX IN THE SIX STEPS TO DISCOVERY BELOW.

Knight - In the Middle Ages, a soldier dressed in armour who fought on a horse.

Damsel - A young woman who is not married.

Tropes - Repeated themes, images, metaphors and narratives. For instance, the "damsel in distress" is a trope in fairy tales and romantic novels.

Average - Typical or usual.

Suspects - People who police think may be involved in a crime.

Sexist - Showing prejudice or discriminating against women and girls.

Andrew Tate - An American-British media personality who has become notorious for controversial videos. He has been charged with rape and human trafficking.

University - When people leave school, they can go to university to study more and get a degree.

Equality - When everyone has equal rights and opportunities.