Talking with Our Teen Sons About Influencers Online: Tools to Start the Conversation

There are very valid concerns amongst parents today around how their teens, especially young men, are engaging with influencers on social media.

It can feel hard to know where to start to support your son in navigating this online world. Instead of trying to protect them from every new “bad influence”, as parents we need to build his sense of belonging and resilience, as well as his critical and emotional literacy skills. The most powerful tool we have to do this is by having more real, open and meaningful conversations with our adolescent sons, which will allow them to feel seen, heard and valued.

This toolkit, co-developed by Movember and partner Beyond Equality, gives tips to parents about how to start and continue conversations on these more challenging topics. This is not a mental health escalation tool, if you are worried about your teen’s mental health, please reach out to your local crisis support service or contact your doctor for expert advice. Conversations don’t have to look one way, but it can also be hard to know where to start.

You can use the ALEC approach; four steps to helping you approach important conversations, as a guide to get you going.

‍

The Beyond Equality and Movember Toolkit: Talking with Our Teen Sons About Influencers Online

This toolkit has been produced following the publication of the Movember report: Young Men's Health in a Digital World

‍

WHAT ELSE CAN PARENTS AND CARERS DO BEYOND STARTING THESE OPEN CONVERSATIONS?

• Keep the lines of communication open

• Challenge stereotypes with men and boys

• Model and celebrate positive behaviours

• Learn and upskill on understanding the internet

• Normalise having struggles

• Work with schools, community groups (or start one!)

• Make sure you are taking care of yourself as a parent – checking in with yourself

• Think about your own relationship with gender and masculinity

‍