What does healthy masculinity look like for boys today?

Hi everyone,

I'm helping build a student-led youth initiative focused on supporting boys as they enter their teenage years. We're trying to better understand the challenges boys face today and what kinds of support would be most valuable.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on any of the following questions:

1. What do you think are the biggest challenges facing boys aged 11–16 today?
2. What does "toxic masculinity" mean to you, and where do you see it affecting young people?
3. What unhealthy messages do boys receive about masculinity?
4. What positive messages about masculinity do you think boys need to hear more often?
5. What topics do boys struggle to talk about openly?
6. What support do you wish you had received when you were younger?
7. What qualities do you think make a good male role model?
8. What are schools, parents, and communities doing well when supporting boys?
9. What are they doing poorly?
10. If you could design a program for boys entering adolescence, what would you include?

Thank you for sharing your experiences and perspectives. Every response helps us better understand how we can support young people.