A national conversation surrounding masculinity and its impact on young people gained momentum throughout 2025, sparked by a Netflix drama and fueled by research, policy shifts, and high-profile campaigns. From the Houses of Parliament to school gates, the year saw increased focus on the challenges facing boys and men, alongside ongoing concerns about harmful ideologies.
‘The Year of the Boy’ Gains Traction
The Netflix drama Adolescence – which depicts the story of a 13-year-old boy arrested for killing a female classmate – was praised for highlighting the influence of the manosphere. The prime minister described the series as “a really hard watch,” and a British police force called it a “wake-up call for parents.”
The conversation extended beyond the final episode of the drama, with a series of events and research contributing to a sense that 2025 was a pivotal year for discussions surrounding men and boys.
Warnings and Policy Shifts
At the beginning of the year, former England football manager Gareth Southgate warned about the dangers of “callous, manipulative and toxic influencers.” Simultaneously, the Centre for Social Justice’s study, Lost Boys, argued that boys were being left behind in areas ranging from educational attainment to mental health.
In June, the first ever “Dad strike” took place, with fathers gathering in London and Edinburgh to protest the UK’s limited paternity leave provisions. This led to the government publishing the first ever Men’s Health Strategy for England in November. A month later, its Violence Against Women and Girls strategy focused on preventing misogynistic behavior in boys.
Shifting Focus to Positive Role Models
Experts and policymakers are now urging a shift in focus from solely addressing “toxicity” to promoting positive male role models. A group of Labour MPs formed a parliamentary group for men and boys, aiming to steer young men away from harmful online influences.
Natalie Fleet, the MP for Bolsover, highlighted the importance of recognizing and amplifying the positive contributions of men in communities during an International Men’s Day debate in parliament.
Continued Concerns and Alternative Influences
Despite facing charges, which he denies, Andrew Tate traveled to the US and maintained a prominent position within Trumpworld. A poll earlier in the year found that one-fifth of UK males aged 16 to 29 who were aware of Tate held a positive view of him.
Organizations like Movember and Equimundo launched the Young Men and Media Collective in October, funding influencers to promote alternative masculine messages.
The debate also touched on the need for targeted policies to address challenges faced by boys and men, alongside those addressing issues for girls and women. Concerns remain about the rise of the far right and the potential for increased sexism in AI tools.
Joeli Brearley, founder of Pregnant Then Screwed, cautioned against framing the conversation as a zero-sum game, emphasizing the importance of continuing to address the specific challenges women face.
George Gabriel, co-founder of The Dad Shift, expressed optimism that a path forward was being found, despite the dire situation.
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