Caveat – We wrote this article after reading a new April 2025 research study  conducted by the Movember Institute of Men’s Health titled, “Young Men’s Health In A Digital World” that was brought to our attention by our friend in the UK, Richard Pomfrett. What makes this research different, they interviewed over 3000 young men between the ages of 16-25 years of age to get their perspective. (1) As parents, caregivers, and teachers, it’s important to understand a growing trend, online masculinity influencers are no longer on the fringes, they’re becoming a major force in shaping how young men think about themselves and their place in the world. Today’s youth and teen boys are growing up in a world of constant change, and adolescence has always been a challenging time. But now, many young men are facing higher levels of anxiety, loneliness, and risky behaviour, while also being bombarded by online voices promising easy answers and simple rules for how to be “a real man.” These influencers offer certainty in an uncertain world. They share step-by-step guides to success, confidence, and relationships, and that can feel empowering to a young person looking for direction. The new research from the Movember Institute of Men’s Health, (2) was based on insights from more than 3,000 young men, shows a complex picture. Many young men in this report say these influencers make them feel inspired, motivated, and more hopeful about their future. However, at the same time, this research shows that these same young men report high levels of stress, emotional struggle, and risky health behaviours. So what can we do as parents, caregivers and educators? We don’t need to shut down the conversation. However, we do need to reshape it, and here are some of our thoughts on how to do this based on what we read in this research: The rise of masculinity influencers is not just a trend, it’s a reflection of a deeper need that many youth and teens are experiencing today which is the need for guidance, identity, and a sense of belonging in a rapidly changing world. As parents, caregivers, and educators, we can’t afford to ignore the powerful role these online figures play in shaping how boys see themselves and what they believe it means to be a man. We also shouldn’t respond with fear or attempts to shut the conversation down. Instead, we need to step into this space with understanding, compassion, and action. This means broadening the definition of masculinity to include empathy, emotional honesty, and personal integrity. It means giving boys the tools to think critically about what they see online, helping them build resilience and emotional intelligence. It means listening to them, truly listening, and making sure their voices are represented in the systems and policies that affect them.  It means showing up in the digital spaces they already inhabit, offering supportive, relatable, and healthy alternatives that speak to their realities. As parents, caregivers, and educators , our job isn’t to shield young men from the world, it’s to help them navigate it with clarity, confidence, and care. When we combine love, structure, and education, we can help ensure they aren’t just surviving adolescence, but thriving through it. Let’s work together to make sure the messages our boys are receiving, both online and offline, are ones that build them up, not break them down. When we support their mental health, we support their future. And that benefits everyone. This isn’t just about countering the negative, it’s about offering young men something better. Something real. And it starts with us. Digital Food For Thought Th White Hatter Facts Not Fear, Facts Not Emotions, Enlighten Not Frighten, Know Tech Not No Tech References: 1/ https://cdn.sanity.io/files/d6x1mtv1/mo-com-production/2468e856e0806090ead9a3e49b53972496eaa971.pdf  2/ https://us.movember.com/movember-institute