Honesty has quietly become one of the most admired traits in public life. As Ireland reflects on leadership and integrity, it’s clear that people crave authenticity. From classrooms to boardrooms, honesty isn’t just a moral ideal, it’s a form of connection. Teaching boys to value honesty early may be one of the most transformative lessons we can pass on.

The 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage wasn’t just a golfing spectacle—it was a lesson in masculinity, social norms, and peer pressure. From moments of solidarity and support to abusive chants and aggression, the event highlighted how boys learn what it means to “be a man.” This article explores the impact of group norms, leadership, and peer influence, and offers practical strategies for parents, teachers, and mentors to help boys navigate pressures, build emotional fluency, and celebrate quiet courage.

Talking to your son about sensitive or difficult topics can feel overwhelming. Do you push, wait, or back away? The truth is, these conversations aren’t about having the perfect script — they’re about building trust, connection, and respect. Drawing on my background as a positive psychologist, a teacher, and as a son myself, I share practical ways to approach these moments with honesty and empathy.

School-aged boys are beginning to explore friendships, crushes, and the early stages of romantic relationships. While these experiences can be exciting, they also bring challenges — from peer pressure to confusion about respect and boundaries. Drawing on both current research and my Master’s study on the link between relationships and wellbeing in adults aged 18–40, this article explores how boys form relationships, what the data tells us, and how parents and teachers can best support them in developing healthy, respectful connections.

The school year is only just beginning, but already boys across classrooms are navigating new friendships, shifting peer groups, and the pressure to fit in. At the same time, headlines remind us daily of how quickly division and hostility can spread. This is why empathy is not just a “nice to have” – it is a vital life skill.

Role models are visible every day - if you are looking in the right place

Many boys believe they’re either good at something or they’re not. This fixed mindset holds them back.

Using growth mindset strategies, like praising effort over talent and adding “yet” to challenges (“I can’t do this… yet”), helps boys build confidence, resilience, and motivation.

Discover practical, evidence-based strategies to build emotional literacy in boys. From games and journaling to storytelling and visual tools, help boys find the words they need to express themselves at home and in school.

How can we rethink screen time and wellbeing? Thankfully, we are starting the recognise how important it is to consider the digital wellbeing of our boys.

Boys are not immune to anxiety. They’re just taught not to show it.

Strengths-based approaches boost adolescent boys’ resilience and well-being by building on individual and community assets

In today’s complex social landscape, the question of how young men understand masculinity and their place in society has never been more urgent. On Father's Day, Headteacher and Father, Nick Hewlett, wrote an article in The Observer highlighting the challenges and opportunities we face in shaping healthier, more constructive models of manhood.

Weeks like Men’s Health Week are fantastic but more can be done

I researched some of the best ways we can teach our young men build successful relationships

There is more than one way to do this!

We often talk about boys needing strength, discipline, and resilience. But what if what they need is balance?

Body image issues are no longer just a concern for girls.