News Focus
- Former England manager releases documentary on BBC about young men’s crisis
- Southgate says schools must use different methods for boys and girls
- Over one million young people now classified as NEETs in the UK
- Documentary features young men struggling with unemployment and mental health
- Southgate calls for national mentor programme to support youth
Sir Gareth Southgate has demanded changes to how schools teach boys. The former England boss says teachers must recognise that young males learn differently from females.
Southgate spoke to the BBC about a serious crisis affecting boys and men aged 16 to 24. Many feel lonely. They face problems with school, jobs, and mental wellbeing.
“Teachers who work with children know there are basic differences between the sexes,” Southgate told BBC Radio 4. He believes schools need separate approaches for boys and girls to help both succeed.
The 55-year-old has made a new documentary titled “Gareth Southgate: Changing the Game for Young Men”. The film looks at why young men who fail at school often suffer later in life. They may face depression and lose their sense of identity.
The documentary comes out on Monday. It suggests solutions such as older men volunteering as mentors and more males becoming teachers.
Southgate warned about dangerous online influencers. Last year, he said some trick young men into thinking success means having money or power.
Traditional pressure on boys creates extra problems. Poor exam results often lead to bad behaviour. This makes it harder to find work later.
New government data shows over one million young people are now NEETs. This means they are not in education, employment or training. It is the highest number in 12 years. Since the pandemic, male NEETs aged 16-24 have jumped by 40 per cent. For young women, the increase is only 7 per cent.
The film features Taylor, a 20-year-old from Middlesbrough. He hunted for work for five months. Employers never replied to his applications. This silence made him feel useless. He started drinking heavily and thought about ending his life.
Southgate met Taylor and encouraged him to keep trying. The former manager now wants a “national movement” of mentors across the country. He says many experienced people want to help young men find hope.
Southgate stressed that helping boys does not mean ignoring girls. “We can support both,” he said. He praised current work to create better chances for women.
The ex-England defender also spoke about the national team. He says the current squad has grown stronger since he left. They have won knockout matches and penalty shootouts. “England will win a major tournament soon,” he predicted.
The documentary airs on BBC One at 21:00 BST on Monday.