The Mayor of London has called on tech firms, Government, regulators and every part of society to act to take on the manosphere.

Sadiq Khan has warned that the growing influence of the manosphere risks a "lost generation of young men".

In a speech in central London, the Mayor has called on platforms to account for the algorithm that feed "hate to young men's feeds", while also backing a social media ban for under 16s and supporting tougher enforcement of the Online Safety Act.

Evidence shows that manosphere content normalises violence and feeds a drift towards extremism, whilst also leaving the young men who watch it feeling more worthless, nervous, and depressed.

Khan said: "The deafening silence of the rest of society has allowed manosphere influencers to dominate the discussion. In the process, masculinity has become a lost language. If we’re going to relearn it, tech companies and the government have got to take the megaphones away from online misogynists. But the rest of us have got to start talking, too. And I’m proud to say that, here in London, we’re leading the way.”

Lib Peck, director of London’s Violence Reduction Unit, said: “Growing up in today’s society, there is no distinction for young people between their lives online or offline, they are interchangeable.

“The online world and social media brings connection and opportunity for young people, but it’s clear there are some who profit from peddling a false narrative about masculinity and prey on those looking for support, guidance and a sense of belonging.

“That’s why we’re delivering a package of interventions at key moments, through school, through families and through positive male role models in the community. They will work to tackle the issues facing our young people and promote a positive sense of masculinity.”