National Press Club Address to launch the Adolescent Man Box study

To mark the release of a landmark new study, Matt Tyler, Executive Director of the Men’s Project at Jesuit Social Services, and Professor Kate Fitz-Gibbon, an international expert in domestic and family violence, addressed the National Press Club on 6 November 2025 to officially launch the Adolescent Man Box Report.

Released today by Jesuit Social Services, the report examines how adolescents relate to rigid rules about masculinity and the pressures they feel to conform to these expectations. It is the first study of its kind in Australia and makes an important contribution to understanding these pressures, while encouraging thinking, discussion and action to improve wellbeing, promote respectful behaviour and reduce violence.

The study surveyed 1,401 young people aged 14–18 of all genders to measure how strongly they endorse a set of masculine norms. The findings reveal clear connections between conformity to these norms and intimate partner relationships, mental health, bullying and violence, engagement with pornography, and risk-taking behaviours such as alcohol use and gambling.

“We hope this study will serve as a catalyst for further exploration, investment and innovation in how Australia supports boys to be their best selves.”

– Jesuit Social Services

During the National Press Club Address, Matt Tyler and Professor Kate Fitz-Gibbon highlighted how these findings inform urgent national conversations about young people’s online lives, masculinity, teen mental health, gender equity and violence, including image-based and technology-facilitated abuse. In response to widespread concerns from parents, educators and the community, the report includes a range of recommendations for governments, schools and society more broadly to improve outcomes for adolescents of all genders.

At a time of rising concern about youth mental health, the use of violence and the impact of online misogyny in Australia, the Adolescent Man Box report provides critical new evidence to guide national action. It offers essential insights for shaping a safer and healthier future for young Australians.

The Adolescent man Box Report provides essential evidence for shaping a safer, healthier future for young Australians.

The study will support practitioners, policymakers and educators in designing and delivering programs to prevent violence and contribute to broader national conversations about gender equality.

“It is crucial reading for everyone from policy-makers, frontline service providers, parents and community leaders, including teachers and others working with young people.“
– National Press Club of Australia