Theatre hosts conference on risks to young people

1 day ago

James Grant

News image — The conference at the Royal & Derngate theatre features workshops on how to navigate the dangers young people face

Getty Images A teenage boy looks at an iPhone screen displaying various social media apps. It is dark in the room. — The conference at the Royal & Derngate theatre features workshops on how to navigate the dangers young people face

A theatre is hosting a conference to help adults better understand the pressures and risks young people face online.

The conference at the Royal & Derngate theatre in Northampton brings together teachers, youth leaders and parents for talks and workshops on navigating digital life.

The event forms part of a wider programme linked to the theatre's production of Top Gs Like Me, which explores online culture and the pull of toxic masculinity.

Organiser Anna Simpson said: "While we believe art [like Top G's Like Me,] is a wonderful intervention, we really wanted to respond to the concerns of teachers and parents."

Anna Simpson Anna is sitting down inside, perhaps a studio, wearing a black top, with a pile of papers or folder on her lap. The photo is taken from a lower level, as she looks beyond the camera. She has curly hair and she is pursing her lips slightly like she is concentrating. — Organiser Anna Simpson said the event responded to a growing national conversation about how online attitudes were moving into everyday life

The conference - featuring experts in the field - takes place on Saturday and Sunday.

Across the weekend, sessions will cover online safety, healthy masculinity, safeguarding and reframing masculinity, with contributions from organisations including Beyond Equality, Smart Horizons, Smartphone Free Childhood and activist Laura Bates.

Simpson said the event responded to a growing national conversation about how online attitudes were moving into everyday life, particularly among boys.

"They're not easy conversations so we're bringing in experts who can provide structure and practical tools, with a positive ripple effect on the community."

The exterior of Northampton Royal & Derngate's entrance on Swan Street. There is a sign written and printed vertically, reading ROYAL & DERNGATE. — The conference takes place at the Royal & Derngate theatre across 17 and 18 January

Top G's Like Me follows a group of "rudderless" young adults in a "world of seething toxic masculinity, misogyny and questions about consent".

Jesse Jones, artistic director at the Royal and Derngate, said: "It is provocative and painfully funny, bringing the addictive and dark world of social media shorts and reels onto the stage."

Top G's Like Me, by Samson Hawkins, runs from 23 February to 7 March.

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