WHAT THE RESEARCH TELLS US

“BOYS LEARN TO HIDE WHAT THEY FEEL.”

The Perfect Storm 2026 shows a sharp change between early and later adolescence. When pressure rises, levels of wellbeing, belonging, and help-seeking diminish.

Boys are telling us that they are struggling

24% Of boys aged 12-15 report that they’re struggling.

38% Of boys aged 16-19 report that they’re struggling.

Pressures facing boys intensify

We need to catch this early!

Teenage boys do not feel they can talk openly about what they’re experiencing. Boys in our research vividly described the social expectations they feel to be tough, self-sufficient and emotionally controlled, even when they are struggling.  Despite rising pressures - including stress, anxiety and financial concerns - the research also found that 3 in 4 boys would not seek mental health supports,.

This conditioned stoicism - reinforced in multiple contexts including at school, in the community and online - often leads to young men hiding challenges from others, trying to cope alone, and refusing to seek support. In turn, this can lead to harmful behaviours later in life, such as depression, isolation, or violence against self or others.