Lost Boys: The Crisis Facing Young Men Today

27 Mar 2025 3:54 PM

Lost Boys: The Crisis Facing Young Men Today

Something is deeply wrong with the way we are raising our young men. More and more, I see confusion, frustration, and a quiet desperation in boys and young men trying to find their place in the world. They are told to be strong, but not too strong. To lead, but not too much. To express their masculinity, but only in ways that don’t offend.

And if they get it wrong? They’re labelled "toxic."

Where Are the Role Models?

For generations, young men learned how to be men by watching and listening to the older men around them—fathers, uncles, mentors, leaders. But today, many grow up without strong, present male role models. Divorce rates are high, fatherlessness is common, and positive, healthy masculinity is rarely celebrated. Instead, boys are often left to figure it out alone, turning to social media, influencers, or peer groups that don’t always have their best interests at heart.

The result? Many young men feel:
Lost – Unsure of what it even means to be a good man today
Frustrated – Constantly told what not to do, but never what they should do
Disconnected – Lacking guidance, purpose, and real mentorship

Masculinity Is Not the Enemy

The term "toxic masculinity" is thrown around so often that many young men feel ashamed just for being male. Yes, like anything, masculinity can be misused—but strong, healthy masculinity is not toxic. In fact, it’s needed now more than ever.

Masculinity builds. It pushes men to work hard, create, and protect.
Masculinity leads. It fosters courage, accountability, and resilience.
Masculinity serves. It teaches young men to be strong for others, not just themselves.

But instead of guiding young men towards this positive version, society often shames them for trying to figure out who they are. How can we expect them to thrive when they’re constantly walking on eggshells?

The Way Forward: Strong Mentorship & Real Challenges

Young men need real guidance and real challenges to test themselves against. They don’t need to be scolded for their nature—they need to be shown how to use it for good.

💡 Mentorship Matters – Every boy should have strong men to look up to, men who live with Honor, resilience, and integrity.
💡 Challenge Builds Character – Boys need hard things to do—physical, mental, and emotional challenges that force them to grow, adapt, and overcome.
💡 Purpose is Key – When young men have a mission, they stop drifting and start rising to the occasion.

Hope for the Future

Despite the confusion, all is not lost. There are still good men out there, fighting to show the next generation what it means to live with strength, courage, and Honor. But we need more of them.

Because if we don’t step up? Someone else will shape these young men—and we might not like the result