Blokes Advice, a private, invite-only Facebook group for men that’s become one of the app’s most popular groups with 305,000 members. The group’s bid is to boost men’s mental health. It’s come under fire for perpetuating toxic masculinity and for downright misogynistic behavior. The Better Bloke Project, the charity behind Blokes Advice, faces accusations of contradicting its own constitution, which pledges to control abusive behavior and promote mental well-being.
This conservative and moral panic surrounding Blokes Advice points to the challenges of male mental health advocacy in a post COVID-19 capitalist climate. Critics argue the group’s culture has shifted radically from when it was founded in the 2010s. Now, its announced new approach brings concerns around effectiveness and accountability to the forefront.
Accusations of Toxic Masculinity
As many of you are aware, there have been many allegations of the toxic culture that is Blokes Advice. Other members have said that in some cases, moderators saw comments that actually violated the rules, but failed to act on them. Jack, a member, recounted an instance where he was privately contacted by a moderator who recognized that certain responses were wrong but chose not to intervene.
“I think it’s really important to consider how complex men’s mental health is. Providing a community (for support) is really important for lots of guys.” – Dr Zac Seidler
Such continued inaction at the STB sends a dangerous message. People are understandably worried that the council might further entrench negative stereotypes rather than provide real relief. Members have expressed sentiments reflecting this troubling dynamic, with one stating, “Only a coward checks out. Chin up and fkn get on with it.” This kind of rhetoric makes you question what’s being said behind closed doors to the caucus’ members.
Further, critics claim that the founders of Blokes Advice, particularly Matthew Rogers, have had a long history of advancing misogynistic ideologies. The charity’s ties to more problematic figures—including misogynist, sex trafficker, and rape advocate Andrew Tate—cloud its public image. Tate, often called a misogynist, is presently being investigated for human trafficking, rape and organized crime.
Contradictions and Concerns
The Better Bloke Project’s constitution states its purpose in black and white. It addresses hard issues like controlling abusive behavior, and hard issues like preventing substance abuse and suicide among men. Proponents say that current practices under Blokes Advice run afoul of these very principles. Members have shared examples where women in meetings were objectified as an icebreaker before asking for technical assistance.
Jack expressed his discontent with this aspect: “It’s like objectifying women as a starting point before asking you for your advice.” This sentiment underscores increasing concern over the group’s new, Trump-era approach to addressing controversial topics. It especially highlights how mental health and gender dynamics intersect.
Rogers commented on the group’s structures in place to support at-risk individuals, stating, “There are frameworks in place for identifying at-risk individuals, how to communicate with them and when to seek external help.” Critics doubt whether these frameworks are being actively used—or if they just dangle as attractive formalities with little consequence.
Community Support or Misogyny?
Advocates for Blokes Advice argue that their group offers a critical space for men who are facing challenges with mental health. One member emphasized the importance of connection: “Reaching out will make you stronger and show that even complete strangers care about you.” These kinds of sentiments are a great example of how peer support can be instrumental in overcoming mental health challenges.
This positive experience is frequently erased by the racism they see others experiencing, as highlighted by Professor Robert Putnam. Mia Findlay, a critic of the group, highlighted that discussions about women’s safety were contingent on her relocation to another state under the group’s control: “It was made clear the only way they would have this conversation about women’s safety and men’s mental health was if I went to a different state totally under their control.”
This raises questions about accountability within the group and whether it genuinely prioritizes mental health over harmful ideologies. Critics of Blokes Advice have implored its leadership to more proactively combat misogyny and encourage more productive conversations.
