Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
#1211 - The Crisis of Modern Boyhood: What Adolescence (Netflix) Reveals
Published: 26 March 2025 at 18:00 Europe/London
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Episode notes
The Netflix series Adolescence isn’t just gripping television—it’s a wake-up call about the hidden struggles of modern boyhood. In this episode, we unpack the toxic pressures shaping boys today, from social media’s influence to the outdated expectations of masculinity. How do we protect our sons from a system that fails them? What can parents do to guide them toward healthy manhood? Let’s explore the hard truths and actionable steps every parent needs to know.
KEY POINTS:
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Adolescence forces us to ask not who committed the crime, but why?
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The "Man Box" and "Boy Code" are shaping boys in ways many parents don’t realize.
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Social media is accelerating boys’ exposure to toxic masculinity.
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Boys like Jamie aren’t born violent—this ecosystem shapes them.
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Schools, parents, and tech companies all play a role in this crisis.
PERSONAL STORIES SHARED:
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How watching Adolescence made me rewrite parts of my book on raising boys.
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My conversation with Rebecca Sparrow after losing my nephew to suicide.
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The moment in the show that left me heartbroken as a parent.
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE:
"Boys believe their eyes more than their ears. If we don’t like the versions of masculinity on offer, it’s up to us to fix that." — Richard Reeves
KEY INSIGHTS FOR PARENTS:
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Our boys are absorbing toxic messages about masculinity online every day.
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Shame, social rejection, and fragile identity can lead to devastating consequences.
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We must actively shape a healthier vision of masculinity for our sons.
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Prevention starts at home—monitor, guide, and connect with your boys.
RESOURCES:
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Adolescence (Netflix series)
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Richard Reeves’ insights on masculinity
- The Bringing Up Boys Summit (half price!)
- Review of Adolescence [Article]
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS:
- Monitor your child's online activity and social influences.
- Have regular conversations about emotions, identity, and self-worth.
- Limit screen time and encourage real-world friendships.
- Foster strong adult mentorship in your child's life.
- Make sure your son hears these three words often: No matter what.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
