Every November the charity Movember Europe raises awareness about key men’s health issues, with a spotlight on the mental health challenges faced by boys and young men.
stem4, as a charity that exists to promote positive mental health in teenagers, are very concerned by the continued ongoing rates of mental ill health amongst boys and young men. We want boys and young men to know that there is help available and to empower those who care for them in how best to support them. Due to the month of Movember focussing on male health, gender specific terms are used in this campaign to ease text flow although the content can refer to both genders. No offense through the use of gender specific terms is intended.
The Broader Impact of Social Media:
Algorithmic Distortion: Research from the University of Kent (2024) suggests that algorithms not only fail to address issues like loneliness but actively push harmful content. Within just five days of engagement, algorithms increased the presentation of hateful and misogynistic content from 13% to 56% of the recommended videos.
Harmful Influences: Anxious and isolated boys were steered toward influencers who promote harmful views, reinforcing the idea that women are to blame for their struggles.
Toxic Peer Influence: 25% of boys and young men said associating with peers who disrespect women was one of the most damaging factors to their mental health (stem4 survey). Other significant factors include loneliness, bullying, and pressure to achieve unrealistic body standards.
How stem4 Supports Boys and Young Men’s Mental Health
We provide a range of free, accessible resources designed specifically to:
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Help boys and young men understand and manage their mental health
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Equip parents, carers, teachers, and professionals with tools to support them
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Build skills in resilience, self-esteem, and emotional wellbeing
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Promote healthy digital habits and reduce online harm
Explore Our Resources
stem4’s Award-Winning Mental Health Apps
Download today from the App Store and Google Play
Support for Parents and Carers
- Understanding Anxiety in Young People
- Understanding Depression in Young People
- Understanding Self-Harm in Young People
- Understanding Eating Disorders in Young People
- Understanding Addiction in Young People
For more resources visit https://stem4.org.uk/resources/
Combined Minds is an app developed for teenage mental health charity stem4 by Dr. Nihara Krause, Consultant Clinical Psychologist, to help families and friends support young people with their mental health.
When a child or young person has a diagnosed mental health condition, families and friends want to support them in the best way but also know when to step back.
The Combined Minds app helps families and friends to find ways to provide the right environment to help the individuals they support affect their own change. As important influencers in the lives of young people, this provides positive impact on their mental health.
Expert insights and advice for parents and carers, including episodes focused on boys and young men’s wellbeing
Below are some further resources you might like to consider:
- Your doctor/G.P.
- Mind
- Young Minds: Parents Helpline
- Call for free on 0808 802 5544 from 9:30am – 4pm, Monday – Friday.
- KOOTH (online counselling for young people)
- Togetherall (online counselling for adults)
- Samaritans
- Cruse Bereavement Care
- Relate (relationship support)
- Gingerbread (single parent support)
- Parenting Mental Health
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