In a time of digital overload, we were pleased to have youth advocate Daniel Principe join us to unpack the digital pressures boys face today – and how adults can respond.

Daniel Principe is a Youth Advocate and Educator.

As a College, we are deeply committed to supporting the wellbeing of our students and partnering with families to navigate the challenges of adolescence. Last week, we welcomed Daniel Principe to the College to speak about the realities young men face in an increasingly online world.

At the heart of Daniel’s message was a call to empathy – for both young people and those raising them. During his wide-ranging session, Daniel acknowledged the particular pressures faced by boys growing up today. He spoke about how social and digital media – along with gaming, advertising and sexualised content – are shaping young people’s beliefs about their bodies, their relationships and their identities.

“Puberty and adolescence have always been difficult,” he said, “but this generation is going through it in a fast, volatile tech world that no other generation has experienced. We need to have empathy for what they’re up against.”

Daniel is no stranger to this terrain. As the face of the Australian Government’s 2024 Consent Can’t Wait campaign, and a 2025 NSW Australian of the Year nominee, he’s helped more than 70,000 young Australians rethink what it means to be respectful, courageous and compassionate. He partners with schools and communities across the country to challenge distorted ideas about masculinity, sexuality and relationships – and to champion a healthier, more human alternative.

Daniel Principe had great information for the audience.

During his talk, Daniel spoke candidly about the distorted images of masculinity and sexuality found in online spaces and how these can affect a young person’s sense of identity. His advice for parents was simple but powerful: stay curious and connected. While it’s normal for teenagers – especially boys – to make communication mistakes or explore areas they know they shouldn’t be exploring, Daniel encouraged parents to remain open, calm and non-judgmental.

“Teenagers worry that if they tell the truth, they’ll be punished,” Daniel said. “We need to reassure them that we’re here to listen, that we love them and that we understand their world is more complex than anything we grew up with.

“It’s not about removing all consequences but about keeping the door open. Let them know: ‘we’re here for you, we love you, we care about you, and we understand that you’re navigating a world you didn’t create.’”

Sophie Carroll, Director of Student Wellbeing & Service Learning, with
Daniel Principe

Daniel also reminded families not to blame themselves. The pressures young people face online come from billion-dollar industries designed to capture attention and shape behaviour. Rather than feeling defeated, he urged parents to connect with others and share what’s working.

“I’m not a parenting guru,” Daniel said. “But I do believe parents are doing the best they can in a really difficult environment. You haven’t failed because your child has seen something harmful online. You’re not alone – and there are ways forward.

“You’re not bad or broken, and neither is your child. You’re up against huge industries whose business model is hijacking attention. So, let’s have some grace for ourselves – and for each other.”

This WesTalk came together with the kind support of Wesley’s Parents’ and Friends’ Association.