Young Men’s Digital Health Study

A Research Collaboration Between The University of Queensland, Flinders University, and IBSC

Please take part in the latest IBSC global research project, led by The University of Queensland. Your school’s participation will prove valuable to our entire community.

This project, entitled the Young Men’s Digital Health Study, is open to all IBSC member schools. It includes surveys for schools that work with boys between the ages of 12 and 18: one survey for boys and one for teachers.

The Digital Reality: Understanding Connection and Risk

We are currently engaged in a global conversation—often framed by anxiety and risk—regarding how boys and young men navigate the digital world. From gaming addiction and sports betting to the influence of misogynistic content, the risks are real.

However, there is another side to the story. Digital spaces also provide vital hubs for connection, education, and mental health support. We seek to move past the panic and understand the lived reality of young men online to create a safer, more empowering future.

Our Focus: Connection in a Digital Age

This Australian Research Council-funded, mixed-methods research project explores the thin line between connection and disconnection. We are investigating how digital environments allow boys to find community or face exclusion and how these experiences shape who they become. We are also interested in what educators are currently doing to safeguard young men from online harms.

All schools interested will be invited to have boys participate in the survey, with an additional option for boys to engage in a focus group either virtually or in person.

Key Pillars of the Research

Focus Area

What We Are Exploring

Digital Lived Experiences

How social media, gaming, and streaming shape self-concept and relationships

Connection vs. Disconnection in Digital Spaces

How boys and young men interpret masculinity-related content and "toxic" online discourses

Educator Impact

Identifying the best strategies teachers use to foster skepticism and ethical digital engagement

Bridging Theory and Practice

Translating theory into practical resources for schools, parents, and policymakers

Why This Matters

This isn't just about "screen time." It’s about the critical digital literacy of boys and young men. By applying rigorous academic frameworks—such as Ecological Systems Theory and hybrid masculinity—the research team aims to bridge the gap between academic research and classroom practice, offering productive solutions for the future.

"Our goal is to foster critical digital dispositions—skepticism, reflexivity, and ethical engagement—ensuring boys don't just 'survive' online but thrive."

The Research Team

This project brings together world-leading expertise to ensure high-impact outcomes for schools globally.

  • The University of Queensland (UQ) is a global top-50 institution and a leader in transformative research.
  • Flinders University has experts in educational equity and social-emotional well-being.

Learn more about the research team.

Join This Exciting Project

Be part of the solution to shape a safer digital world for boys and young men.

We invite IBSC member schools to participate in this vital research. By joining this project, your school will be at the forefront of e-safety innovation, helping generate evidence-based tools needed to support the next generation. All results from this study will be made accessible to IBSC schools. To participate in this exciting project, please complete this short interest form. A team member from The University of Queensland will contact you within a few weeks to get started. Please email ahart@theibsc.org with any questions or for more details about this project.

Complete the form by September 21, 2026, to learn more. Thank you for contributing to this essential research.