A new report from an Indiana-based think tank said many young men in Indiana are not on a productive track to adulthood, with many experiencing a “failure to launch” in their formative years.
The study argued difficulties with charting an educational and career path are hurting the development of young men throughout life. The Indianapolis-based think tank the Sagamore Institute connected a number of factors, including economic turbulence, toxic masculinity and an epidemic of loneliness brought on by digital media.
Teresa Lubbers, president of the institute, said when society fails young men, it has lethal consequences.
“We saw that about 80% of the suicides in this country are boys and men,” Lubbers reported. “All of this data caused us to say, ‘Why, and what can we do about it?'”
The study discovered the stress, anxiety and trauma boys experience in childhood can have lifetime effects if they never get help. Fewer mentors and the absence of a father or male teacher are also seen as contributing factors in developmental pause.
The report found a downturn in the number of sports leagues, boys clubs, and Boy Scout groups has contributed to males being unprepared for personal opportunities in early adult life. Lubbers noted human interaction is often replaced with electronic socialization.
“Boys are more likely, unfortunately, to find their needs filled on screen,” Lubbers pointed out. “Girls are more likely to get help if they’re depressed. Boys are more likely to think that they should be strong and not need help, and so they become isolated.”
For potential solutions, Lubbers suggested Indiana lawmakers could write legislation on the responsible use of social media, and philanthropic groups could step in with funding for organizations assisting with male growth.
