Across Ireland, communities are reporting a rise in vandalism, intimidation, and anti-social behaviour — especially in parks and public spaces. But while these incidents spark understandable frustration, they also raise an important question: what is driving this behaviour in the first place?

Teen vandalism is rarely about destruction for the sake of it. More often, it’s a symptom of deeper issues: disconnection, boredom, pressure from peers, or emotional struggles that go unnoticed until something goes wrong.

In this article, I explore what sits underneath risk-taking behaviour in adolescence, why traditional punishments often backfire, and what the research — and frontline practitioners — say actually works. From belonging and structured outlets to restorative approaches and early intervention, we have far more tools than we think.

Understanding the “why” doesn’t excuse the behaviour.

But it does give us a roadmap for preventing it.

Gratitude isn’t often associated with young men — yet research shows it may be one of the most powerful tools they have for building confidence, resilience and emotional wellbeing. From sport to school to everyday life, gratitude strengthens relationships, enhances team cohesion and even improves performance under pressure.

After working closely with young athletes this year, including the remarkable Kilbrittain team on their journey to a Munster title, I’ve seen firsthand how gratitude can ground young men, connect them, and help them navigate both adversity and opportunity.

This article explores the science behind gratitude, why boys are often socialised away from it, and how intentionally teaching gratitude can transform young men into stronger teammates, leaders and humans.

I’ll admit it. I haven’t been as consistent with my writing lately. Life’s pressures pushed my routine off track, and I felt the impact immediately. That experience reminded me why consistency is so powerful.

Predictable routines, clear expectations, and steady relationships give boys a sense of safety and stability. When adults respond consistently, whether at home, in school, or during sport, boys can trust the world around them, regulate their emotions, and gradually build confidence.

In this post, I explore how consistency shapes behaviour and emotional wellbeing, why it matters more than you might think, and practical tips for parents, teachers, and mentors to create a predictable environment that supports young men to thrive.

Working with the Kilbrittain Senior Men’s Hurling Team reminded me that sport is one of the most powerful classrooms we have. The lessons of teamwork, resilience, and self-belief don’t stop at the final whistle — they carry into how young people learn, relate, and grow.

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?