Southgate Urges New Teaching for Boys as Male Neets Aged 16-24 Jump 40%
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · Jun 5
Southgate Urges New Teaching for Boys as Male Neets Aged 16-24 Jump 40%
3 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Jun 5
Summary
Sir Gareth Southgate said schools should teach boys differently from girls to reflect “fundamental differences” and improve outcomes for young men struggling with education, work, identity and mental health.
More than 1 million young people are now not in education, employment or training—the highest level in over 12 years—and the number of male Neets aged 16-24 has risen 40% since the pandemic, versus 7% for women.
In a BBC documentary released Monday, Southgate links poor school attainment to behavioural problems and weaker employability, and argues boys also lack positive role models as online influencers push money and dominance as measures of success.
His proposed remedies include more male teachers, older men volunteering as mentors and better feedback for jobseekers; one 20-year-old featured in Middlesbrough said prolonged unemployment drove him to alcohol and suicidal thoughts.
Southgate said improving outcomes for boys is not in conflict with expanding opportunities for girls, framing it instead as a broader effort to address issues men face across their lives.
How can schools tailor education for boys without reinforcing outdated gender stereotypes?
With AI eliminating entry-level jobs, how can today's 'lost generation' of men gain a foothold?
Are failing systems or toxic online influencers more to blame for the crisis facing young men?
The NEET Crisis Among Young Men in the UK: Causes, Consequences, and Urgent Solutions for 2026
Overview
In early 2026, England football manager Gareth Southgate produced a BBC documentary that highlights the persistent challenge of youth unemployment and disengagement, especially among young men who have faced academic setbacks. The documentary reveals how these struggles to secure employment can lead to deeper problems later in life, such as mental health issues and a loss of identity. This urgent call to action underscores the need for systemic solutions, as the difficulties young men face in finding work are not just about job shortages, but also about the long-term impact on their well-being and future prospects.