Young men, masculinity, and mental health: policy options

Join us for an engaging and insightful webinar exploring the intersection of masculinity and the mental health of young men.

A panel of experts and advocates will unpack the challenges young men face, the societal influences shaping their mental health, and the policy solutions that can make a real difference in their lives.

During this session, we’ll highlight the importance of supporting young men’s mental health, release new polling data from 800 young men, and host a dynamic panel discussion focused on how policy can drive better mental health outcomes.

Meet our speakers:

Dr Zac Seidler is a clinical psychologist, researcher and leading men’s mental health expert. He currently holds dual roles as Global Director of Men’s Health Research at Movember and Associate Professor with Orygen at the University of Melbourne. He is also a 2022-2026 National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Emerging Leader Fellow.  Zac has dedicated his academic and professional career towards further understanding men’s mental health and masculinity. His ultimate goal is to help reduce the staggering rates of male suicide and domestic violence worldwide.

Dr. Krista Fisher is a Research Fellow at the Movember Institute, leading a comprehensive suite of research initiatives aimed at promoting good mental health and preventing poor mental health amongst young men globally. She holds a PhD in young men’s mental health awarded from the University of Melbourne in 2024. Krista leads a program of research on online masculinities – exploring the ways social media influences young men’s mental health and their gender ideologies.

James Lolicato is the Chief Operating Officer of The Man Cave, Australia's leading preventative mental health charity for Teenage Boys. James manages the Government, People, Schools and Insights teams at The Man Cave. Prior to joining The Man Cave, James worked in policy development and held roles within the public service. He also served as CEO of Pride Cup Australia and as an LGBTI+ and gender diversity policy advisor. James was honoured to be named Australian Community Leader of the Year by the Australian Institute of Managers and Leaders.

Professor James Smith is a Matthew Flinders Professor of Health and Social Equity; and Co-Director of the Health Equity Impact Program within the Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute at Flinders University in Darwin, NT. Professor Smith is a national and global leader in the fields of both men's health, and health promotion. His career has spanned a broad range of research, policy and practice roles over the last 25 years. He has a deep interest in men's health equity, particularly intersections between age, gender (masculinities) and culture, including those relating to young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander males.