To Be A Boy

• Cracking the Code on Online Safety with the Rt Hon Peter Kyle

  Elliott and Joeli tackle the urgent topic of online safety, sharing scary stats like children in the UK spending an average of 134 minutes a day on TikTok and 49 minutes on Instagram in 2024, with 36% of kids aged eight to 17 having seen something worrying or nasty online in the past year. Joined by Peter Kyle, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, they explore the government’s new Online Safety Act— which the government claims has some of the world’s most sweeping protections—which now require social media platforms to safeguard young users from everything from cyberbullying to violent and harmful content. Tune in for a fun, insightful conversation full of practical tips and the latest on how digital life for young people in the UK is set to change for the better.

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• Sex Ed & Embracing Awkwardness

  We’re diving into the wonderfully awkward world of sex ed for kids—covering everything from “where do babies come from?” to the importance of pleasure. Joeli and Elliott share honest tips, relatable stories, and answer your questions on how to talk to kids about sex, consent, and relationships—without losing your cool.

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• Addiction, Parenting, and Jessica Lahey

  Did you know that in the UK, men are nearly three times more likely than women to become dependent on alcohol? Or that men account for 74% of hospital admissions for drug-related mental health issues? Joining us is the brilliant Jessica Lahey, best selling author of *The Gift Of Failure* and *The Addiction Inoculation*. She joins Joeli and Elliott to tackle one of the toughest yet most vital topics for parents today: addiction.

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• Socks, Strikes and Social Change

  This week, Joeli and Elliott are still reeling from their chat with 15-year-old Josh Sargent, who somehow knows more about inflation, misogyny, and the internet than most adults do (and can spell “misogyny” without spellcheck). They unpack the impact of the online world on boys, the impossible balance of protecting kids while keeping them connected, and why critical thinking might just be the new superpower.

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• To Be A Boy, episode 12: Teenage Wisdom: Josh Sargent vs. The Manosphere

  Ever wondered what teenage boys really think about the Manosphere? In this week’s enlightening episode of To Be A Boy, Joeli Brearley and Elliott Rae break new ground by speaking directly to someone who’s living it—15-year-old Josh Sargent. Josh isn’t just navigating GCSEs; he’s writing a book about the Manosphere, all while grappling with the dual life of consuming content privately at home and existing in a world where these topics are rarely discussed openly among peers. This episode is packed with Josh’s unique take on online masculinity culture, the myths surrounding teenage boys as ardent Manosphere fans, and the surprising reality of how these influences manifest in their lives. Expect some “aha” moments that might just change your perspective…As ever – we’re reading through your amazing emails for ideas and insights – YOUR TEAM NEEDS YOU! Stay in touch at [email protected]

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