Boys Do Cry

Improving Boys’ Mental Health and Wellbeing in Schools

Schools are undergoing a mental health crisis and adult statistics surrounding male suicide paint a bleak picture of the future for boys in our schools. From bullying and sexism to traditional ideals of masculinity, outdated expectations of what it is to be male are causing boys to suffer. Research also shows that this is having a negative impact on girls in our schools. Clearly, the issue of boys’ mental wellbeing has never been so important. Boys Do Cry examines key research on factors impacting boys’ mental health and arms teachers with a range of practical strategies to start enacting positive change.

Combining the latest research, personal anecdote, expert advice, and a uniquely engaging writing style, Matt Pinkett provides focused, evidence-based guidance on what those working in schools can do to improve and maintain the mental wellbeing of boys. The chapters follow an easy-to-navigate three-part structure, detailing personal stories, key research and practical solutions to the problems raised. With sensitivity, Pinkett deals with a diverse range of topics relating to boys’ mental health including:

• Anger
• Self-harm and suicide
• LGBTQ+ masculinity
• Body image
• Friendships
• Pornography

This is an essential read for teachers and school leaders who want to ensure they are improving the mental health of boys in their schools, challenging toxic behaviours, and equipping the current generation of boys to become happy, healthy, emotionally articulate men.