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An ANU residential college trying to rid itself of "negative aspects of masculinity" has enlisted the help of Menslink. John XXII College's men's officer, Douglas Morgan-Thomas, organised a panel discussion this month to help tackle the problem. The 22-year-old commerce and arts student said the main aim was to get male residents the mental health services he believed they need, and "break down the more negative aspects of masculinity that have occurred at our college". In the past, male residents have been disciplined taking photos of women's breasts and posting them online and inappropriate chants. Mr Morgan-Thomas said while the college had had it's share of controversy, it wasn't confined to John XXIII. "I think there's a problem with young men in general," he said. "John's is held up as an example of that, but they're not issues exclusive to us." Menslink education program coordinator and panel member Michael Aichholzer said it was a positive step for the college, but culture change takes time. "It will take time to get guys to step up as a body, and to show those who don't meet the ideals of the college, or values of the college, that it's not on," Mr Aichholzer said. The six-person panel answered a range of questions from residents, and explored issues including incidents at the college and how to work through them. The event attracted about 20 mostly female residents. Mr Aichholzer said it was an engaged crowd. "A large part of the discussion was a very positive attempt to understand what caused those types of problems and how they could address it and turn around," he said. "We were disappointed the turnout wasn't greater. You would need much greater engagement by the student body to change that culture." Menslink chief executive Martin Fisk said the college approached his organisation last year to help put in place measures the residents could use to become more responsible young adults. "It's public knowledge there have been some issues at that college and other colleges, not only in Canberra but around Australia," Mr Fisk said. "Being able to come and talk to the guys about things that are important, about learning to respect themselves and those around them, learning to really work out what they stand for and most importantly how they want to be remembered – that's something we've been addressing with them." Mr Fisk said the program to address "toxic masculinity" had been successful, to the extent that residents from the college had volunteered to be part of its their Silence is Deadly school scheme, talking about their own experiences. He said it was important to realise the consequences of actions, particularly around issues that play out on social media. "Given the digital age and how your online reputation lasts a very, very long time. We ask the guys how they want to be remembered."

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