In a candid interview, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer expressed his growing concern about the challenges young boys and men face in today's society, particularly in relation to toxic masculinity. Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live on March 24, 2025, Starmer highlighted that there may be a problem that needs urgent attention, especially as it relates to the influence of social media and the lack of positive role models.
Starmer, who is a father to a 16-year-old son and a 14-year-old daughter, noted, "I am worried about this; I've got a 16-year-old boy and a 14-year-old girl." His insights were partly informed by the Netflix series 'Adolescence', which delves into the lives of young boys navigating the pressures and pitfalls of modern masculinity. The show, which focuses on a 13-year-old boy accused of murder and the rise of incel culture, resonated with Starmer and is reflective of broader societal issues that parents are now beginning to recognize.
During his discussion, Starmer reiterated, "There's a reason why the debate has suddenly sparked into life on this and that's because I think a lot of parents, a lot of people who work with young people at school or elsewhere, recognise that we may have a problem with boys and young men that we need to address." His comments reflect a growing anxiety that young men are influenced not only by their immediate surroundings but also by toxic narratives perpetuated in online spaces.
Touching on the subject of role models, Starmer emphasized the critical importance of positive influences in the lives of young males. He specifically referenced Gareth Southgate, former manager of England's national football team, whose recent lecture highlighted the impact of negative online influencers on the younger generation. Southgate warned that these "callous" figures are distorting young men's perceptions of women and society, leading them to emotionally withdraw and isolate themselves.
Starmer conveyed, "I thought his lecture, what he was saying, was really powerful, will have resonated with a lot of parents." This acknowledgment of Southgate's insights underscores a collective recognition among parents and educators that the current environment is particularly challenging for young men, who are often left vulnerable without strong, accessible role models.
Despite the growing conversations around these issues, Starmer rejected the suggestion of appointing a Minister for Men to address the ‘crisis in masculinity’. He stressed that such a bureaucratic measure wouldn’t necessarily resolve the problems at hand. "No, I don't think that's the answer," he asserted, advocating instead for a more engaged approach that emphasizes listening to and learning from respected figures like Southgate.
In a powerful call for action, Starmer asserted, "I want to have that further discussion with him. We've already had a bit of a discussion about this, but I do think it's important we pick this challenge up and see it for what it is." His emphasis on discussion over policy creation reflects a desire for deeper understanding and collaborative efforts to tackle these fundamental issues confronting young men.
Furthermore, Starmer advocated for the role of athletes and coaches as potential role models, noting, "Footballers, athletes, I think they are role models." However, he also highlighted the necessity for more community-based role models, who can provide guidance and support to youths in their immediate environments. "If you actually ask a young person, they're more likely to identify somebody who's in their school, a teacher, or somebody who maybe is a sports coach," he said.
The skyrocketing rates of depression and suicidal tendencies among young men in the UK illustrate the pressing need to address these conversations earnestly. Historical tendencies to overlook the mental health challenges faced by boys contrast sharply against well-established frameworks for women's issues, which suggests a need for a more balanced approach to societal support.
The climate for young males has never been more crucial, and as discussions bloom around what masculinity means today, leaders like Starmer and prominent figures like Southgate are pivotal in fostering understanding and encouraging addressing these challenges front and center.
As these conversations gain traction, the hope is that positive changes can be made to shape a healthier narrative around masculinity—one that encourages open discussions, promotes supportive relationships, and nurtures a generation of boys who grow into aware, respectful men.
