How can we support our boys’ well-being during a youth mental health crisis? How can we help them navigate life in this digital age?

Katey McPherson has been working on these issues for years. Since we last talked in 2019, she and others have helped the state of Arizona pass a bundle of laws intended to decrease youth suicide. She’s also helped countless schools, communities, and families learn how they can support youth mental health in the current digital age.

In this episode, Janet & Katey discuss:

• How to keep kids safe (safer?) when using school-issued computers & other digital devices
• Targeting of kids on social media and online gaming platforms
• Kids’ online relationships
• Tech tools to help you monitor your kids’ online activities
• School shootings (and how we can prevent them)
• Talking to kids about suicidal thoughts
• Increasing the likelihood that your child will talk to you about tough things
• Supporting youth mental health

Takeaways:

• We are facing significant challenges affecting our youth’s mental health.
• Legislative changes can lead to improved suicide prevention resources.
• Parents must understand the limitations of school-issued devices at home.
• Social media can exacerbate feelings of exclusion and anxiety in youth.
• Community support is crucial in preventing school violence.
• Suicidal ideation often precedes violent actions in youth.
• Open communication about mental health is essential for parents.
• AI is becoming a critical tool in monitoring student safety.
• It’s never too late to implement changes in parenting strategies.
• Youth need coping strategies to deal with emotional pain.

Links we mentioned (or should have) in this episode:

The Hope Institute

What You Need to Know About Boys & Suicide (w Katey McPherson) — ON BOYS episode

Red Flags, Safety Nets, & School Shootings — BuildingBoys post

Katey's website is currently under construction. If you'd like to reach her, you can email her at Katey.mcpherson@bark.us

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Do you know what the “man box” is?

Your boys do, whether they know the term or not. The “man box” is the set of expectations, perceptions, and behaviors that are considered “manly” in our society.

In this episode, Jen, Janet, and Ted Bunch, Chief Development Officer of A Call to Men, explore the complexities boys face in a world that still clings to outdated ideas about masculinity. Ted shares his perspective on how we can empower boys to live authentically, develop respectful relationships, and move beyond the limitations of the “Man Box,” which often keep boys from becoming their true selves.

Ted Bunch

Together, they discuss ways parents and caregivers can help boys embrace their emotions, communicate openly, and understand the importance of consent. Ted also addresses tough topics, including the impact of pornography, the cultural confusion surrounding sexual consent, and how societal expectations can distort boys’ perceptions of masculinity. Through honest, practical conversations, this episode gives listeners the tools to support boys as they navigate these challenges and to foster connections that build character, respect, and self-awareness.

In this episode, Jen, Janet & Ted discuss:

• How to help boys find and express their authentic selves
• The pervasive “Man Box” and how to break free of it
• Why boys struggle to define consent—and how to help
• Pornography’s impact on boys’ relationships
• Conversations dads and caregivers need to have with boys
• Encouraging boys to recognize the effects of their actions on others
• Understanding and addressing the impact of sexual abuse on boys

Links we mentioned (or should have) in this episode:

A Call to Men — includes helpful information & data, as well as links to their programs

Tony Porter’s TED Talk about the Man Box

What I’ve Learned Since My Son Came Out — article by Ted, mentioned at 38:37

The New Masculinity — ON BOYS episode

Empowering Boys to Challenge Rape Culture — ON BOYS episode

Gender Norms Limit Boys (& Girls!) — ON BOYS episode

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Puberty, perimenopause, and neurodivergence affects brains and bodies.

And in two or more of those things are going on in our household at the same time…well, things can get particularly challenging, says Amy Lang, founder of Birds & Bees & Kids.

Amy & Janet discuss it all in this ON BOYS episode

Links we mentioned (or should have) in this episode:

The 3 Key Things Your Neurodivergent Boy Needs to Know about Sex (and 3 Things You Need to Know)

Peri-menopause & Puberty: The Match Made in Heck – Get tickets here

Tue Nov 19, 2024 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM PST

Birds & Bees & Kids — Amy’s website

Resources recommended by Amy:

You Know, Sex: Bodies, Gender, Puberty, And Other Things

Sex Talks With Tweens: What To Say & How To Say It

Amaze.org/us

BARK (inside US)

Qustodio (monitoring outside US)

Sex Ed for Neurodiverse Kids – ON BOYS episode w Amy Lang

Keeping Boys Safe Online (w Amy Lang) — ON BOYS episode

Talk to Boys About Sex (w Amy Lang) — ON BOYS episode

Puberty, Perimenopause, & Midlife Parenting — ON BOYS episode

Breakthrough Session for Family Coaching

Schedule your no-cost call with Janet at https://boysalive.com/call

Sponsor Spotlight: Hello Fresh

Get 10 FREE meals at HelloFresh.com/FreeONBOYS

Sponsor Spotlight: IXL

The world’s most popular subscription-based learning site for K–12! Get 20% off at ixl.com/TODAY