There is growing national concern about the rise of toxic masculine attitudes among young men and boys—particularly those shaped online. High-profile figures such as Former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and current Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer have recently commented on the urgency of addressing toxic masculinity in our society. Their remarks follow Gareth Southgate’s powerful Richard Dimbleby Lecture, which focused on the troubling influence of “callous, manipulative” figures online who peddle toxic ideals around masculinity.
The problem is no longer abstract—it is increasingly visible in schools, youth spaces, and online communities. This is why structured, expertly facilitated toxic masculinity workshops are becoming a vital tool in promoting respectful relationships, emotional health, and gender equality.
What Is Toxic Masculinity?
Toxic masculinity refers to harmful cultural norms and behaviours traditionally associated with masculinity—such as emotional repression, dominance over others, and the devaluation of traits perceived as “feminine”. While masculinity itself is not inherently problematic, these toxic expressions can lead to aggressive behaviour, misogyny, homophobia, and emotional withdrawal.
Toxic masculinity workshops aim to unpack these ingrained social norms and empower young people—especially boys and young men—to challenge them constructively. They provide a safe environment in which students can discuss, question, and reflect on what it means to be male today, without fear of judgement or ridicule.
The Influence of Online Culture
As highlighted in the Netflix drama Adolescence, which gained 6.9 million views in its first week, the online world has become a breeding ground for misogynistic and hyper-masculine ideologies. The show portrays a teenager radicalised through social media, leading to tragic consequences—a narrative disturbingly familiar to many professionals working with young people.
Gareth Southgate warned that many boys are learning about masculinity not from parents, teachers or coaches, but from influencers whose messaging revolves around dominance, wealth, and the suppression of emotion. These influencers exploit boys’ insecurities, drawing them into echo chambers where vulnerability is mocked and empathy is seen as weakness.
Toxic masculinity workshops provided by 2020 Dreams help pupils make sense of these digital pressures. Rather than merely condemning certain individuals or trends, the workshops foster critical thinking, media literacy, and personal accountability. Participants learn how to identify manipulation tactics, resist peer pressure, and seek healthier models of masculinity.
Long-Term Impacts of Toxic Masculinity
Unchecked, toxic masculinity can have serious and lasting consequences—not only for girls and women, but for boys and men themselves. Research shows that young men influenced by toxic masculine ideals are more likely to:
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Struggle with mental health issues such as anxiety and depression
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Engage in risky or violent behaviours
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Have difficulties forming healthy, respectful relationships
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Internalise shame around vulnerability or emotional expression
Addressing these patterns early through toxic masculinity workshops can significantly reduce the risk of harmful behaviours escalating over time. These sessions also support wider PSHE and safeguarding goals, complementing work on mental health, respect, gender equality, and consent.
A Curriculum-Relevant, Values-Based Approach
2020 Dreams designs its toxic masculinity workshops in alignment with statutory RSE and PSHE guidelines. Our content is age-appropriate and sensitive to the cultural and social contexts of your school or college community. Workshops typically include:
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Interactive discussions on gender roles and societal expectations
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Case studies and group activities to analyse media messaging
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Reflection on real-life scenarios involving peer pressure, respect, and emotional wellbeing
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Guidance on how to be an ally and challenge harmful behaviour in a non-confrontational way
Sessions are delivered by experienced facilitators with backgrounds in youth work, education, and safeguarding, ensuring that pupils feel both challenged and supported throughout.
Why Choose 2020 Dreams?
With years of experience working in schools across the UK, 2020 Dreams has built a strong reputation for delivering engaging and impactful PSHE workshops. Our toxic masculinity workshops are adaptable for different age groups, from Year 7 through to sixth form and college settings, and can be delivered face-to-face or virtually.
We understand the sensitive nature of this topic and take a trauma-informed approach to delivery. Our aim is not to shame or label, but to educate, empower and open up positive conversations. Schools that have booked our toxic masculinity workshops report increased pupil confidence, empathy, and willingness to challenge sexist or aggressive behaviours among peers.
A Call to Action
As both government leaders and cultural figures have acknowledged, the UK cannot afford to ignore the problem of toxic masculinity. Schools and colleges are on the frontline of this issue—and they have a critical role to play in shaping healthier norms for the next generation of men.
If you are looking to address this challenge within your educational setting, now is the time to act. Invest in preventative education that promotes emotional intelligence, equality, and respectful relationships.
Enquire about Toxic Masculinity Workshops Today
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Let’s equip young people with the tools they need to navigate the modern world with respect, empathy, and confidence.
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