Have you ever worried that your child is getting the wrong messages about what it means to “be a man”?

You’re not overthinking it. From the sidelines of youth sports to viral YouTube shorts, kids are surrounded by messages about toughness, dominance, and staying silent about emotions.

And more and more parents are starting to talk about it—especially after the release of Netflix’s Adolescence, a gripping series that shines a spotlight on toxic masculinity and the online influences shaping our sons.

These messages don’t just show up in the teen years—they start much earlier. And they’re not just hurting boys. Girls are often taught to tolerate disrespect or shrink themselves to make others comfortable.

The good news? Even with so many forces working against our kids, your influence at home still makes the most difference.

📹 Want more context? Read our related post: Netflix’s Adolescence: What Parents Need to Know About Toxic Masculinity, Incel Culture, and Raising Boys in a Digital World