Gareth Southgate blames video games for “crisis” in young men

Sir Gareth Southgate has blamed video games for a “crisis” in young men.

• READ MORE: ‘Adolescence’ review: Stephen Graham’s terrifying warning about toxic masculinity

Earlier this month, The Centre Of Social Justice released their Lost Boys report that claimed a generation of young men were “being left behind”. It went on to say there was a “staggering” increase of young men not in employment, education or training and are “increasingly drawn to conservative, traditionalist or right-wing political movements” due to a lack of male role models.

Gareth Southgate responded to the report while delivering the annual Richard Dimbleby Lecture. He said (via the BBC): “Too many young men are isolated. Too many feel uncomfortable opening up to friends or family.

“Many don’t have mentors – teachers, coaches, bosses – who understand how best to push them to grow. And so, when they struggle, young men inevitably try to handle whatever situation they find themselves in, alone.”

“Young men end up withdrawing, reluctant to talk or express their emotions,” he continued. “They spend more time online searching for direction and are falling into unhealthy alternatives like gaming, gambling and pornography.”

Sir Gareth Southgate has said he fears young men are spending too much time gaming, gambling and watching pornography – and they need better role models beyond online influencers.

On #BBCBreakfast UK correspondent Adina Campbell got reaction to the comments made by the former… pic.twitter.com/b5s3Ujrqg2

— BBC Breakfast (@BBCBreakfast) March 19, 2025

He went on to call out conservative influencers like Andrew Tate. “These are callous, manipulative and toxic influencers, whose sole drive is for their own gain. They willingly trick young men into believing that success is measured by money or dominance, that strength means never showing emotion, and that the world, including women, is against them.”

Earlier this week, Netflix released Adolescence, a four-part drama co-created by Stephen Graham that deals with a young boy getting corrupted by extreme misogyny and toxic masculinity.

Following its launch, co-creator Jack Thorne told The Guardian that the rise of incel culture online is something that needs to be tackled by the British government. “We will not solve the problem by kicking this issue into the long grass. This requires urgent action. I hope the government is brave enough to reconsider it.”

In other news, Pokémon has confirmed a collaboration with LEGO will be released next year.

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