'Because I'm a man': Boys react when asked to slap a girl in the street

An Italian journalist has created a viral discussion after filming the reaction from young boys when asked to slap a girl they have just met.

Luca Lavarone conducted the social experiment with boys aged between six and 11 in an effort to draw attention of the worldwide issue of violence against women.

The three-minute video begins in an innocent fashion, asking the boys to compliment a young girl, caress her and pull a face to make her laugh.

However the young participants are then told to slap her.

All the boys refuse, offering various reasons as to why they would never hit a girl.

"Girls shouldn't be hit, not even with a flower," one of the boys said.

The final boy sums up the video by saying "Why? Because I'm a man".

What do you think of the video? Watch in the player above then share your thoughts in the comments below.