Excitement fills my heart as my 8-year-old grandson Luca has recently taken up cross country running. I am eagerly looking forward to accompanying him on training runs and participating in local 5K races, with one already scheduled for October. Having personally discovered the physical and therapeutic benefits of running later in life, I aspire for Luca to develop a healthy habit that he can carry into adulthood.
My eagerness extends to the role I can play as a supportive and positive influence in Luca’s life. This anticipation motivates me to maintain my own running routine and healthy lifestyle. What adds to my excitement is the growing body of research emphasizing the significance of male role models for boys, underscoring the positive impact of loving fathers and grandfathers.
However, amidst this positivity, there exists a sobering reality that boys today are facing challenges. This realization has implications not only for grandfathers like myself but also for fathers, uncles, stepdads, foster fathers, coaches, teachers, and any man in a position to make a positive impact on the life of a young man.
Addressing the Educational Crisis Faced by Boys
The American Institute for Boys and Men highlights the struggles boys encounter in academics, falling significantly behind girls in terms of achievement. With a 14% gap in school readiness by age 5, lower GPAs throughout K-12 education, and fewer advanced-placement course enrollments, boys also face a higher risk of not graduating high school. Furthermore, women dominate college campuses, with a 15% disparity between male and female students.
These challenges escalate further, with boys lagging almost a grade level behind girls in English language arts and experiencing a suicide rate four times higher than their female counterparts. Notably, suicide rates among young men have surged by 40% in recent years. In response to this urgent issue, Melinda French Gates announced funding for the American Institute for Boys and Men with the goal of enhancing boys’ academic outcomes to match those of girls.
Provided Image/Louis Bezich
Louis Bezich with his grandson Luca.
Beyond academic disparities and suicide rates, the educational gap between boys and girls carries profound implications for boys’ overall health and well-being. The American Psychological Association underscores the significant impact of underperforming academically, emphasizing the link to future challenges like addiction, health issues, and involvement in the criminal justice system. This chain of consequences extends to society at large.
In a notable piece published in the Columbia Political Review in 2021, the crisis affecting U.S. boys is attributed to entrenched gender norms perpetuated by the educational system. These norms overlook harmful effects on boys, resulting in alarming outcomes such as high failure rates, increased prevalence of learning disabilities among boys, and a dropout rate significantly higher for boys than girls.
The article points out how schools tend to favor obedience over creativity, a bias that adversely affects boys. This culture not only stifles individual thought but also exacerbates issues like the overdiagnosis of ADHD and misplacement of boys in learning settings that hinder their progress.
Potential Solutions to the Crisis
Richard Reeves, a scholar at the Brookings Institute and president of the American Institute for Boys and Men, advocates for gender equality efforts to benefit both boys and girls. He suggests practical measures like delaying boys’ school entry, diversifying the teaching workforce with more male educators, and encouraging gender-inclusive career paths to narrow the educational gap.
The American Psychological Association’s Task Force on Boys in School echoes Reeves’s recommendations, advocating for interactive teaching methods, increased breaks for physical activity, fostering social skills in boys, and promoting healthy relationships to enhance boys’ well-being.
A Call to Action
The grave challenges facing boys today demand urgent attention and concerted efforts from all stakeholders. While systemic changes in education are crucial, we as parents, grandparents, and male figures can make a significant impact as positive role models and advocates for change.
I urge you to reflect on the boys in your life and find ways to connect with them on a deeper level. By fostering meaningful relationships and addressing their needs, we can help navigate them through these challenging times. Let’s not assume everything is well because they say so; instead, let’s actively engage with them and offer support and guidance.
As we embark on this journey of understanding and support, we can pave the way for a brighter future for our boys and, in turn, enrich our own lives through these meaningful connections.
Louis Bezich, senior vice president and chief administrative officer at Cooper University Health Care, is the author of “Crack The Code: 10 Proven Secrets that Motivate Healthy Behavior and Inspire Fulfillment in Men Over 50.” Explore more of Louis’s insights on his website.