A project sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has reviewed literature on the risks and assets that affect boys aged 10 to 18. Their report looks at what strengths make some boys likely to succeed and what risks increase the likelihood that other boys will struggle.
The report breaks the findings into seven categories: education, constructive use of time, employment, juvenile delinquency, mental health, substance abuse, and victimization and mortality. The following is a highlight of the studies findings.
- 10, 12 and 14 year old boys who play organized sports were more likely to be involved in other activities, such as school clubs, music, arts, and volunteering
- Young people, particularly boys, whose parents are involved in their schooling tend to have greater academic achievement
- Boys who were employed while in school learned how to more efficiently manage their time, were more motivated, and learned about workplace norms and responsibilities
- In 2006, arrests of boys represented more than 70% of all juvenile arrests
- Although depression is more common in girls, in 2005, about 20% of high school boys reported feeling sad or hopeless every day for at least 2 weeks. In addition, 12% of high school boys had seriously considered attempting suicide, 10% had made a suicide plan, 6% had attempted suicide, and about 2% made a suicide attempt that required medical attention.
- In 2005, three out of five high school boys had tried cigarette smoking, and more than two out of five high school boys had used inhalants, such as glue, aerosols, nail polish remover, and other household substances
- From 1993 to 2003, the non-fatal violent victimization rate for boys ages 12 to 17 was about 50% higher than for girls
Read the full report to learn more about out what you can do to help boys you know grow to be as productive and safe as possible.
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