Global Initiative for Boys and Men

Boys, A Rescue Plan: Moving Beyond the Politics of Masculinity to Healthy Male Development (published in January 2025), by Michael Gurian and Sean Kullman, with a foreword by Warren Farrell. This is one of the most practical and hopeful books yet written on the challenges facing boys. Rather than dwelling on blame or ideological conflict, the authors ask a simple question: What do boys need to thrive? Their answer is grounded in decades of research, clinical experience, education, neuroscience, and child development. The book paints an honest picture of declining educational outcomes, rising mental health struggles, fatherlessness, excessive screen time, reduced physical activity, and a growing lack of purpose among many boys. But its greatest strength is that it refuses to stop at diagnosis. Instead, it offers a genuine rescue plan. Gurian and Kullman advocate practical, evidence-informed reforms: stronger support for fathers and families; developmentally appropriate schooling; more male teachers and mentors; healthy rites of passage; purposeful physical activity; better mental health care tailored to boys; responsible technology use; and communities that celebrate positive masculinity rather than viewing it with suspicion. They argue that boys flourish when surrounded by caring adults who combine high expectations with empathy, structure, and encouragement. The tone is constructive throughout. Rather than framing boys' wellbeing as competing with girls' progress, the authors show that investing in healthy male development strengthens families, schools, workplaces, and society as a whole... At a time when public debate often becomes polarised, Boys, A Rescue Plan stands out as a compassionate, evidence-based roadmap for action. It reminds us that boys aren't problems to be managed, but are beautiful young people with immense potential waiting to be nurtured. Every parent, teacher, policymaker, and community leader concerned about the next generation should read this thoughtful and solution-focused book... Buy it here: amazon.com.au/Boys-Rescue-Pl…