The term "Lost Boys" refers to boys who are falling behind in school compared to girls. In the UK, they’re almost twice as likely to struggle with early language and communication skills (1). The question is, why? To find a solution, we first dive into what’s causing this.
So really, why are boys falling behind?
Learning Styles and Curriculum Mismatch
Traditional schools often favor verbal and sedentary learning, which suits how girls usually learn. Boys, who might do better with hands-on and interactive methods, may feel bored and can end up falling behind.
Socio-Economic Pressures
The poverty gap is very apparent in many cultures. In the 1800s, older male students are often absent for months to help with farming. (2) However, the 21st century is no different. This is seen in rural areas, family run business, and families that fall in the lower income bracket. Boys are pressured to start working early to help their families. This need for money can take attention away from education and lead to higher dropout rates.
Behavioral Expectations and Disciplinary Practices
A study by the Neighborhood Academy shows that boys are not necessarily more misbehaved than girls. However, they tend to face more disciplinary actions in schools. (3) This can lead to a cycle of disengagement and academic failure.
What are the dangers if this continues?
Economic Impact
Boys achieving lower education levels can result in a less skilled workforce, which could hinder economic growth and innovation.
Social and Behavioral Issues
The World Bank reports that boys who leave school early are more prone to crime, substance abuse, and other harmful behaviors. (4) This impacts their lives and presents challenges to societal safety and unity.
The challenges faced by these Lost Boys are not limited to those mentioned. In fact, there will always be more than meets the eye. One thing for certain is that targeted interventions are crucial to prevent long-term economic and social repercussions. Some of the solutions are providing tailored education and adequate support. Find out more solutions in the next post.