Each November the charity Movember Europe raises awareness about important issues facing men’s health. One of the main features of this campaign is focussing on the challenges boys and men face in regards to their mental health.
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.
#ReelToReal: Helping Boys and Young Men Reclaim Positive Mental Health From Social Media Filters
The #ReelToReal Movember campaign by stem4 focuses on redirecting attention from filtered, artificial online personas to authentic real-world mental resilience. This initiative encourages young men to disconnect from the toxic aspects of social media, including understanding the business model and fostering genuine support networks both online and offline to build lasting mental well-being.
It’s time to transition from #ReelToReal by rejecting commercially driven, hateful fake content and embracing authentic connections and a healthier sense of self-worth—away from the pressures of likes, shares, and filtered images.
Resources for Boys and Young Men
Talking about mental health
It’s not always easy to talk to someone about your mental health but sharing how you’re feeling with a trusted person (such as a friend, family member, teacher, or GP) can help you feel supported and less alone.
Not sure who you can talk to? Look at the helplines listed here.
If you’re struggling to talk about your mental health, see our examples of how you might start the conversation.
Talking about mental health
It’s not always easy to talk to someone about your mental health but sharing how you’re feeling with a trusted person (such as a friend, family member, teacher, or GP) can help you feel supported and less alone.
Not sure who you can talk to? Look at the helplines listed here.
If you’re struggling to talk about your mental health, see our examples of how you might start the conversation.
Why not try our Combined Minds app?
This clinician-developed app, is designed to help families and friends support young people with their mental health. It can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play. Find out more at https://combinedminds.stem4.org.uk.
stem4’s Podcast for Parents & Carers
You may also find the following podcast episode helpful, in which Dr. Krause examines how we can engage with our boys and young men whilst building emotional tools to live happy lives.
This episode is the 1st in the second series for stem4’s podcast, Understanding Teen Minds, in which all episodes are for parents and carers of young people. To keep updated with the new episodes, be sure to subscribe on one of the platforms below.
Series 2, Episode 1 – Movember Episode! Building Self-Esteem in Boys and Young Men, For Parents/Carers
