Inquiry targets 'staggering' male suicide rates and harmful algorithms
SA's health minister says the rise of the 'manosphere' and influential social media influencers is impacting young men.
The South Australian government is set to launch a parliamentary inquiry into the challenges faced by men's health. The joint house committee will investigate the alarming rates of male suicide, mental health issues, and the stigma surrounding seeking support. Additionally, the committee will examine the influence of harmful online content, particularly on vulnerable young men.
Health Minister Blair Boyer emphasized that suicide is the leading cause of death among men aged 15 to 44, with men three times more likely to die by suicide compared to women. The inquiry aims to enhance men's access to services, address the stigma associated with seeking help, and explore the role of sporting clubs, social groups, and men's sheds.
The Labor MLC Hilton Gumbys, who will chair the committee, expressed concern that attitudes towards men discussing mental health have improved, but suicide rates persist as a generational issue. He stressed that young people's lives are at stake and called for immediate action. Family First MLC Sarah Game welcomed the inquiry, advocating for better outcomes in diagnosing depression and anxiety among men.
Luke Di Sessa, co-founder of a men's support group, welcomed the inquiry as a step in the right direction, recognizing that seeking support can be frightening for some men due to societal expectations and past messages.
Written by urgent.news from ABC News AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
