Yesterday, our Greater Hunter Regional Coordinator Aaron joined ABC Newcastle to unpack the latest Adolescent Man Box Study by Jesuit Social Services. The study explores the pressures boys face to appear “strong, tough and confident” at all times – and the impact this has on their wellbeing, friendships and relationships.
The study found that two-thirds of young people believe there’s real pressure on boys to live up to rigid masculine expectations.
But Aaron says that in classrooms across the Hunter, Newcastle and Cessnock, he’s seeing something else entirely:
“When we give boys a space to feel safe and comfortable… we can really challenge those ideas. They are interested in learning about what healthy masculinity looks like.”
Creating safe spaces for real conversations
Aaron spoke about the importance of building trust and consistency in conversations with young men.
At Top Blokes, Youth Workers work with boys over 3 to 6 months, building real rapport through honesty, empathy and listening – not lecturing.
“It’s tough being a young person today,” Aaron told ABC. “I think societal kind of identity crisis happening where a lot of people are unsure on their on their place and where they fit and there’s just so much noise around that obviously online.”
He explained that conversations often start quietly. Some sessions are full of silence before trust builds – but when boys see adults model vulnerability and respect, they eventually open up.
“It’s about role modelling what we want from them,” Aaron said, “if we want them to be vulnerable and open up we have to open the door and show that first.”
A generation ready for change
Despite the pressures, the Man Box study offers reasons for hope. Most boys reject harmful stereotypes, believe in gender equality, and want stronger emotional connections.
That aligns with what Top Blokes sees every day in schools – young men who are curious, caring and eager to learn how to be better mates, sons, brothers and leaders.
“The vast majority just want to learn… and get new perspectives” Aaron said. “I think everyone just wants to like everyone else around them, to be happy.They’re aware that the world is a better place for them and their community if their friends are happy and and everyone else around them is happy”
What’s next?
The Adolescent Man Box Study reaffirms what our Youth Workers see every day: when we create safe spaces for boys to explore healthy masculinity, they show empathy, connect, and lead. Connection heals. Respect shapes behaviour. Belonging changes everything.
