This report offers a comprehensive analysis of the mental health challenges faced by young men in Australia, with a particular focus on the influence of masculinity and digital environments. It highlights that mental ill-health among young men aged 16–25 has significantly increased, with nearly half experiencing mental health issues in the past year. Despite this, young men are less likely than young women to seek help, often due to societal expectations around masculinity that discourage emotional expression and vulnerability.
The report explores how traditional masculine norms—such as self-reliance, emotional restraint, and toughness—can negatively impact young men’s mental health and help-seeking behaviours. It argues for a shift away from the concept of “toxic masculinity” towards promoting healthy masculinities, which embrace positive traits like resilience and courage in flexible, non-restrictive ways. This reframing is essential to avoid alienating young men and to foster environments where they feel safe to seek support.
Digital spaces, particularly social media, are identified as both a risk and an opportunity. While some online content reinforces harmful stereotypes, others offer avenues for connection and self-improvement. However, the rise of the “manosphere” and masculinity influencers has introduced complex dynamics, often exploiting young men’s vulnerabilities for engagement. The report calls for better regulation of online content and the promotion of positive role models in digital environments.
Policy recommendations include updating the National Men’s Health Strategy to explicitly prioritise young men, integrating gender-responsive approaches in mental health services, and improving digital literacy to help young men critically assess online content. The report also emphasises the importance of co-designing initiatives with young men to ensure relevance and effectiveness.
In addition, the report identifies specific groups of young men at increased risk—such as First Nations youth, those from gender and sexuality diverse backgrounds, and those experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage—and stresses the need for tailored, culturally sensitive interventions. It advocates for increased male representation in mental health services and improved mental health literacy to empower young men to recognise and respond to their own mental health needs.
