The growing conversation: Boys, men, and mental health

Mental Health and Masculinity

Historically, boys and men have been underrepresented in mental health services. Deeply ingrained social and cultural norms have long discouraged emotional openness, often linking these behaviours with a perceived lack of masculinity.

For decades, research and mental health professionals have noted that traditional constructs of masculinity, such as stoicism, emotional restraint, and self-reliance have served as significant barriers to accessing support.

When examining each generation, we often see recurring patterns of "anti-talking" behaviour passed down through society messaging.

Every decade seems to bring with it a new trend or phenomenon that reinforces the idea that expressing emotions is unmasculine, which shapes how boys and young men understand themselves and interact with others.

However, there are signs of a meaningful shift. Organisations such as Headspace, Beyond Blue, Relationships Australia, and Movember report a steady increase in male engagement with mental health services.

Over the past five years in particular, there has been a noticeable rise in boys and young men seeking psychological support. This progress reflects a broader cultural change in how masculinity and emotional expression are viewed.

What is driving this change?

A significant factor has been the targeted efforts of public campaigns that speak directly to men and boys. Movember, for example, has emerged as a global leader in advocating for men's mental health.

Campaigns like the Push-Up Challenge — while open to all — have also created a socially acceptable, physically active space for men to engage in mental health awareness.

These behavioural approaches offer a bridge for males to engage in conversations that may have once felt out of reach.

More importantly, society is beginning to redefine what it means to be a man. Traditional norms are being challenged and reshaped, supported by:

• Public awareness campaigns from groups like Movember, R U OK?, and Beyond Blue, which work to normalise male vulnerability and help-seeking.
• Prominent male figures in sport, entertainment, and politics who are openly sharing their mental health journeys — presenting emotional honesty as a sign of strength, not weakness.

Developing male-responsive services

Mental health services have become more attuned to the specific needs of boys and men. Key developments include:

• The adoption of practical, solution-focused therapeutic approaches that resonate with male communication styles.
• The growth of digital and anonymous counselling services, which offer increased privacy and a low-pressure entry point into support systems.
• The expansion of grassroots, community-led programme like Mens Talk, Kai Fella, and Man Up WA, which provide informal, peer-led spaces for connection and support.

These innovations have played a crucial role in making services more accessible and appealing to male populations.

The role of schools in early intervention

Schools are also playing an essential role in shaping how young males understand and care for their mental health. Many have implemented:

• Curriculum-integrated wellbeing programmes.
• Improved access to counselling and psychological services.
• Initiatives that normalise help-seeking and build emotional resilience.

Positively, we are seeing this at Scotch College as they offer seminars on topics like respectful relationships, responsible technology use, peer pressure, sleep hygiene, and body image.

These programmes support not just the students but also the parents and wider community in fostering emotionally healthy environments.

This allows parents to then use the right language to speak to their boys around healthy habits and what it means to be a boy and young man.

Digital access and anonymity

For many young men, online platforms have provided a vital stepping stone into mental health support. Digital tools offer:

• Greater privacy and anonymity.
• Immediate, 24/7 access to resources and support.
• A non-threatening entry point that aligns with how younger generations communicate.

These platforms are especially effective in reaching individuals who may be hesitant to engage in traditional, face-to-face counselling.

Positive peer influence and role models

As more boys and men speak openly about their mental health, the ripple effect is impactful.

Peer influence has become a powerful catalyst for change, with help-seeking now increasingly seen as:

• A sign of maturity and self-awareness.
• A proactive step in maintaining wellbeing.
• An integral part of personal development and emotional intelligence.

Collectively, these cultural, structural, and educational changes have created a more supportive environment for boys and men.

It is encouraging to see young men today embracing healthier habits, fostering respectful relationships, and feeling more confident to speak to someone when they are not feeling themselves.

Although there is a long way to go, we can only hope that as this new movement continues to build momentum, that more boys will feel comfortable and supported in opting into this change of what it means to be a boy or a man.

Mr Jon Marginis
Scotch College Lead Psychologist, Clinical and Counselling Psychologist