Positive Masculinity Matters

Guiding boys with confidence

You may have seen the recent Louis Theroux documentary on Netflix, Inside the Manosphere. The documentary highlights some well-known figures and sheds light on dominant ideologies promoted within the global collection of online forums, referred to as the “manosphere”. Often these influencers reinforce rigid gender norms and promote unhelpful messaging on how boys and young men “should be”, often framed as advice on achieving successful and navigating everyday life.

Whilst research indicates a correlation between this type of content consumption and young people’s attitudes, behaviours and relationships, alongside the schools no-phone policy we continue to focus on our Positive Masculinity framework. Among many benefits, it acts a protective and preventative influence, reducing the likelihood that students feel the need to seek belonging or answers in these online spaces.

As a school we continue to draw on contemporary research and practice to continue to meet our boys where they are at. We remain committed to building safe spaces for human connection, supporting boys to develop healthy relationships with their identity and fostering open dialogue and curiosity that encourages help-seeking behaviours.

One finding from Jesuit Social Services Adolescent Man Box research is that real-life relationships strongly shape how young people show up. Importantly, young people still turn to parents as key sources of connection, guidance and support.

While it may feel counterintuitive, an open conversation strengthens your ability to have a positive influence.

How can you turn towards conversations about online influencers?

• Meet curiosity with curiosity, ask “What do you like about…”
• Listen and validate what may be appealing, “It sounds like he does promote confidence which is an important thing”
• Build critical thinking, ask “Who benefits from this message?” or “What might someone on the other side say?”

Ingrid Howren
Associate Head of the Crowther Centre – Positive Masculinity

Brought to you by The Crowther Centre