The Centre for Social Justice has published “The Lost Boys: State of the Nation” (March 2025), a landmark analysis identifying a growing crisis affecting boys and young men in the UK. Drawing on data across six life domains; education, employment, mental and physical health, family/fatherhood, crime and justice, and digital behaviour, the report argues that young men are falling significantly behind their female peers across the board.

Key findings include:

• Since the pandemic, NEET rates (young men aged 16–24 not in education employment or training) have surged by 40 percent for males versus just 7 percent for females.

• For full‑time workers aged 16–24, the gender pay gap has reversed: young women now earn approximately 9 percent more on average than young men.

• Boys underperform academically at every stage—early years through university—and account for disproportionate rates of school exclusion, disciplinary action, and criminal justice system contact.

• Mental health statistics are alarming: suicide is the leading cause of death among young men aged 15–19; obesity, eating disorders, and exposure to harmful online content are escalating.

• Family breakdown and fatherlessness prevail: an estimated one in five children grow up without a father, contributing to poor outcomes for boys and adverse societal impact.

Reflection for Practice

We encourage professionals across education, youth services, health, social care, and justice to read the full report and consider:

• How do educational exclusion and digital exposure impact young men you work with?

• What proactive partnerships or interventions can better engage and support boys at risk?

• How might mentoring, vocational pathways, community connection and support for mental health play a role?

This report presents more than evidence—it is a strategic prompt for multi‑agency discussion and systems‑level response. Your engagement is vital in rethinking gendered approaches, strengthening prevention, and ensuring no young man is left behind.

👉 Read the report here: Centre for Social Justice, The Lost Boys: State of the Nation (March 2025)