Educating Boys Beyond Toxic Masculinity.

From 'Adolescence' to Adulthood- Here's our take on how schools can tackle the growing concern around toxic masculinity.

The recent release of Adolescence, the gripping Netflix drama starring Stephen Graham, has ignited a nationwide conversation about the challenges facing young men today. The series delves into the life of a 13-year-old boy entangled in a tragic event, highlighting the profound influence of social media, peer pressure and societal expectations on adolescent boys. This narrative has resonated deeply with educators and parents, prompting a critical examination of how we can guide boys toward healthier expressions of masculinity.

The Classroom as a crucible for change

Teachers stand at the forefront of this transformative journey. Classrooms are not just a place for academic learning; they are places where values are shaped, behaviours are modelled, and societal norms are challenged. Addressing toxic masculinity within educational settings is paramount to fostering environments where all students feel safe and valued. By integrating discussions that question traditional gender roles and promote emotional intelligence, educators can dismantle harmful stereotypes and encourage boys to embrace a more inclusive and empathetic version of manhood.

Curriculum overhaul: Beyond the birds and the bees

Incorporating themes that challenge toxic masculinity into the curriculum is not about adding another chapter to the textbook; it's about rewriting the narrative. Subjects like literature, history and social studies offer rich opportunities to explore diverse masculinities, critique historical gender norms and celebrate figures who defy traditional stereotypes. By presenting students with a kaleidoscope of male experiences, educators can broaden their understanding and acceptance of varied expressions of masculinity.

In its own right, there have been calls to integrate the Adolescence series into teaching. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he watched the series with his teenage children and said there may be an "issue with young boys and men" around toxic masculinity, and according to the BBC, some schools have called for it to be shown to help pupils understand the dangers of social media, knife crime and toxic influencers.

The power of positive role models

Representation matters. When boys see men in their lives, teachers, coaches and mentors for example, displaying vulnerability, compassion and respect, it challenges the monolithic image of the stoic, dominant male. Programmes like Good Man, offered by the Youth Service of Essex Council, is a fully funded five-week mentoring programme for boys and young men aged 10-18 who may be at risk of entering or currently experiencing abusive relationships. By actively engaging with boys and young men, such programmes can serve as beacons of positive masculinity.

Engaging in the tough conversations

It's not always easy to talk about topics like misogyny, aggression or emotional suppression, especially with teenagers who might be navigating these issues personally. However, creating a classroom culture where such discussions are normalised can be transformative. Utilising resources that address these themes head-on, such as analysing the societal implications presented in Adolescence, can provide a relatable springboard for conversation. Encouraging students to critically assess the media they consume and the influencers they follow can foster media literacy and self-awareness.

As teachers, there are a wide range of resources that can be used to begin such conversations within the safety of the classroom. From discussion online safety and social media, to empathy and emotional intelligence. There are also a wealth of resources aimed at secondary school PSHE lessons, tackling stereotypes and toxic masculinity head on.

A collaborative effort: schools, parents and the community

Addressing toxic masculinity isn't a solo endeavour; it requires working together with schools, families and the broader community. Schools can offer workshops for parents to understand the challenges their sons face and provide strategies to support them. Community programmes that offer mentorship and safe spaces for boys to express themselves can reinforce the lessons taught in classrooms, whilst parents can create open communication to discuss worries, concerns and be a proactive and presence part of their son’s lives. By building a cohesive support system, we can ensure that boys receive consistent messages about healthy masculinity across all areas of their lives.

Redefining 'Manly'

On a lighter note, let's face it, the traditional notion of what's considered 'manly' could use a makeover. If baking a soufflé, writing poetry or practicing yoga makes you happy, who's to say that's not manly? Perhaps it's time we redefine 'manly' to include kindness, creativity and the courage to be yourself regardless of societal norms and outdated stereotypes. After all, real strength lies in being true to yourself.

The dialogue sparked by Adolescence serves as a poignant reminder of the pivotal role educators play in shaping the futures of young men. By challenging toxic masculinity, promoting diverse expressions of manhood and providing supportive environments, teachers can guide boys toward becoming well-rounded, empathetic individuals. It's a journey that requires patience, dedication and everyone’s involvement, but the destination is a society where all expressions of masculinity are valued and that is well worth the effort.