When Toby Bellew first sat down with his year 9 classmates to talk openly about their problems, the 15-year-old was surprised that his friends shared similar worries.

"What I found out was that everyone is going through the same things and there are things I have done or said that wouldn't have seen me rejected after all," Toby said.

Opening up: Parramatta Marist High year 9 students Toby Bellew, Alby Giles, Monty Duncombe and Marc Caramoan. Credit:Louise Kennerley

"Women speak to their friends but men don't so much but communication is the key to keeping Australian men alive."

Toby is in year 9 at Parramatta Marist High School, a Catholic boys school that has had the reputation for producing "tough men", including top rugby league players.