“Boys, when compared to girls, are six times more likely to have learning disabilities, three times more likely to be registered drug addicts, and four times more likely to be diagnosed as emotionally disturbed” Dr. James Dobson in Bringing up boys.
#1 Drug and substance abuse
Boys are easily lured into taking drugs due to a number of reasons.
They take drugs because their parents also take drugs
They take drugs as a form of fun or entertainment
They take drugs because of peer pressure.
They take drugs because of idleness.
They take drugs to numb stress..
#2 Peer pressure
The environment affects the future of children in one way or the other..
When the boys are in their teen age they are easily lured by their friends.
The friends that he hangs around with will in the long run determine his future.
#3 Family related issues
Boys are given responsibilities at a very young age. This occurs in situation where the family is poor or there is no father figure
They are forced to look for casual work to sustain the family
They are forced out of school because of lack of finances
They are left to fend for themselves with no guidance.
#4 Lack of mentors
Mentors in the society are very few. Getting access to these mentors can be a hard task.
#5 Poverty
When the boy child comes from a poor background, he is not able to access facilities that would change his way of life
He will be burdened with responsibilities that are way above his age.
He will not have access to skills to enable him to be self-sufficient.
He will not be able to access proper education
#6 Lack of support system
No support from the Government and the Non Governmental Organizations.
No support from the fathers or father figures in their life.
No support from the society
#7 Cultural beliefs and practices
This occurs when
Boys are given adult responsibilities at a young age because it is culturally practiced.
Boys are forced to marry early before they can sustain a family.
#8 Change in societal norms and values
Bringing up boys as a society changed.
Boys are lacking guidance because parents are busy looking for livelihood.
Boys are now being brought up by single mothers
The following factors affecting the boy child are engrained in the society. The best way to reduce them is to break the cycle. This will enable a mind shift.
This can be enabled through mentorship and coaching by their role models of good standing in the society.
Let us support the boy child