Police Service of Northern Ireland, Department of Justice and The Executive Office have launched the second phase of the Power to Change campaign, urging young men and boys across Northern Ireland to question and challenge misogyny online.
Phase Two of the scheme focusses on the online world and the everyday digital behaviours that can allow misogyny to become normalised. This includes social media gaming platforms, group chats, comment sections and online communities. The PSNI says that while these spaces can provide connection, friendship and creativity, they can also amplify harmful attitudes towards women and girls and in some cases escalate to criminal behaviour.
From 1st April 2025 to the 31st March 2026, there were 1,971 reports of online stalking and harassment (12 per cent increase from the previous year), 591 reports of online blackmail (11 per cent increase) and 110 reports of the sharing of indecent images or ‘revenge porn’ (21 per cent increase).
Instead of looking at just criminal behaviour, Power to Change examines the attitudes, words, jokes, images and online behaviours which can create environments where abuse is accepted and can then escalate.
The campaign highlights that violence, abuse, intimidation and harassment does not always begin that way, harmful attitudes can begin much earlier and everyone has the power to challenge them.
Phase Two will encourage men and boys to become active allies: questioning what they see online, challenging their friends when something crosses the line, supporting people who are targeted and refusing to amplify harmful content.
Six campaign films will highlight the issues through recognisable situations across online and everyday life. The films are designed to encourage conversation and reflection not tell young men what they should think or do.
PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said: “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.”
First Minister Michelle O’Neill said: “Power to Change is about challenging the attitudes and behaviours that can lead to violence against women and girls while empowering everyone to play their part in creating a safer society.
“This next phase brings that message into the online spaces where young people spend so much of their time. It encourages men and boys to think about what they see, say and share online, challenge misogyny whenever they encounter it and be positive allies to women and girls.
“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.”
