Mental health crisis among young men highlighted in Gareth Southgate documentary
Mental health problems pose a significant challenge for today’s youth, particularly young men, as highlighted in Gareth Southgate’s BBC documentary, Changing the Game for Young Men. The film features Taylor, a 20-year-old from Middlesbrough, recounting his suicidal thoughts stemming from unemployment and feelings of worthlessness. “I just feel bad about life,” he expressed. “I thought, ‘I’m clearly not good enough, am I?’,” reports BritPanorama.
Statistics underscore the **mental health crisis among boys in the UK**, with young men lagging behind girls in metrics such as education, income, and employment. Men aged 16-24 face higher unemployment rates and are more frequently victims, and perpetrators, of violent crime. The documentary also touches upon the growing issue of fatherlessness, with millions of children in the UK lacking paternal figures.
Southgate, known for his ethical and sensitive approach, navigates a complex topic in a condensed format that takes him to various locations, including schools, a prison, and a café in Middlesbrough, to speak with adolescents facing similar struggles. He identifies a substantial barrier in encouraging boys to express their feelings, and despite his approachable demeanor, many young men share their vulnerabilities in a setting that fosters openness.
During conversations, Southgate reflects on his own disappointments—including being rejected and facing high-pressure situations, such as his penalty miss during the 1996 Euros—which resonated with the young men he spoke with. His approach highlights the need to address **male mental health**, particularly among adolescents navigating loss and self-doubt.
While the documentary successfully illuminates these issues, Southgate also advocates for a transformative shift in the educational system. The current academic curriculum is deemed out of touch with the practical needs of students. Expert opinions, such as those from Andy Cook of the Centre for Social Justice, suggest that broadening the curriculum would significantly benefit young people, especially in vocational training that aligns with industry demands.
A particularly promising initiative showcased is “Lads Need Dads,” led by teacher Sonia, which allows fatherless boys to interact candidly with male teachers regarding their emotions. This initiative highlights the critical function of mentorship for young men, who often lack positive male role models within nurturing environments.
Southgate calls for increased involvement of male mentors who can offer support through community engagements, using examples like youth worker Dan Gates, whose own background as a troubled youth lends credibility to his present-day outreach efforts.
However, while the documentary raises crucial points, it has been critiqued for overlooking key issues, such as class inequality and the socio-political factors affecting funding for youth services. The severe reduction in youth centres between 2012 and 2023 has had detrimental effects on adolescents’ well-being, correlating with poorer educational outcomes and increased criminal activity.
Southgate notably refrains from addressing the pervasive influence of social media on young men’s perceptions of masculinity, particularly the harmful effects propagated by figures such as Andrew Tate. In his words, “I don’t want to give him publicity… He’s not worth it.”
As a father to three boys, Southgate’s statements about valuing women were acknowledged; however, the documentary’s focus on male needs risks overshadowing the concurrent struggles faced by girls, including higher rates of anxiety, depression, and sexual abuse, as reported by the NSPCC.
In calling for schools to adopt a more supportive environment for boys, it remains imperative that attention is also given to changing the dynamics for young women.
‘Gareth Southgate: Changing the Game for Young Men’ is streaming on BBC iPlayer.
