Are boys in trouble?

Introduction

As a group, boys are at higher risk of failing to achieve at school than girls as a group. Boys on the whole are less likely to complete high school and more likely to be suspended or excluded. Community concerns about boys' engagement and performance at school link with broader social issues for some young men. These include a worrying suicide rate, significant violence and harassment, and alienation from wider society.

So what's really happening with boys? Are they in trouble?

Test your perceptions with this online quiz or print this activity new window 36k .

Statistics about boys' education make good headlines but can be misleading. Try decoding the data to find facts in the figures.

Are there links between current concerns about boys' education and the recent educational history of girls? Girls, Boys and School traces some key changes.

Key factors

Participation and performance data shows that while gender is important, other factors can compound or reduce educational risk.
Attitudes and behaviour are linked to academic performance.
Suicide rates, violence and crime are major issues in some boys' health and wellbeing.
Conclusion.

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Queensland Government