We're In This Together

The University of Birmingham has recently published Reframing Masculinity for Young Men & Boys - We're In This Together. Find out why this matters for safeguarding.

Report by: Dr Sophie King-Hill, University of Birmingham.

Intended for parents/carers, educators, youth workers, and professionals.

Read the Report

This report covers

• How ideas of masculinity are shaped through history, culture, peer pressure, media, and online spaces.

• The tension for many boys to be tough and hide feelings vs wanting connection and being emotionally open.

• How online influences and extreme misogyny affect young men’s beliefs about gender, relationships, and their own emotional wellbeing.

• How violence, peer group culture, and identity pressures often flow from rigid expectations of what a man should be.

• The importance of inclusive RSHE (Relationships, Sex and Health Education) that listens to boys, addresses their real experiences, supports diverse identities.

Key Safeguarding Findings

Emotional silence has risks

When boys feel they cannot show vulnerability, this can lead to anxiety, depression, or acting out which might be misinterpreted as behaviour problems rather than potential safeguarding concerns.

Online influences matter

Exposure to misogynistic, toxic content e.g. incel discussions, extreme male entitlement etc can normalise harmful attitudes, shape unsafe behaviours, and influence boys’ views of consent, relationships, and identity

Lack of voice = risk

Boys often feel they’re not heard in RSHE or wellbeing settings. If they don’t see their issues reflected, or if they fear shame, they are less likely to seek help or recognise abusive dynamics.

Diverse backgrounds need recognition

Masculinity isn’t experienced the same way by all - ethnicity, culture, sexuality, class all intersect. Some boys may face multiple pressures or conflicting expectations.

Practical Actions and Recommendations

• Create safe spaces for boys to talk about identity, feelings, relationships, and the pressures they feel. These might be small groups, mentorship, drop-in sessions.

• Embed media literacy into curriculum so young people can learn to recognise and question toxic online messages and influences.

• Include boys’ voices in designing RSHE and related wellbeing work. Ask what topics matter to them and how best to deliver them in ways that feel safe.

• Train staff and carers to spot when rigid masculine norms may be harming emotional or mental health such as anger, silence, risk taking, and not minimising as simply “boys being boys.”

• Challenge stereotypes and role model alternative masculinities: adults modelling vulnerability, caring, empathy; showing that strength includes kindness and openness.

Why This Matters for Safeguarding

Rigid masculine norms can mask or suppress disclosure of abuse. A boy may fear he’ll be seen as weak if he reports bullying, grooming, sexual harassment, etc. Harmful behaviours such as violence and misogyny often begin with tolerated stereotypes. Early prevention can reduce risk for other children. Mental health, emotional wellbeing, and safety are intertwined. When boys don’t feel safe to express themselves, risk increases.

Our bespoke course Insights into Toxic Masculinity, Mysogyny and Incel can be found here - join the waiting list of to be kept informed of the next course date.