It’s been happening for years, but not enough people are talking about it—boys are falling behind in school. Girls are not only getting higher grades but also graduating at higher rates and dominating college enrollment.
Meanwhile, boys are more likely to struggle academically, face disciplinary action, and drop out.
This shift in education didn’t happen overnight, and there’s no single reason why boys are struggling more than before. But the gap is real, and if we don’t start addressing it, an entire generation of young men could be left behind.
The Numbers Tell a Clear Story
Decades ago, boys had an academic advantage. That’s not the case anymore. Across the world, the statistics show a concerning trend:
This isn’t just an issue in one country or one school system. It’s happening everywhere. The question is: why?
Why Are Boys Struggling More in School?
There’s no simple answer to this, but some key factors keep coming up.
1. The Way Schools Are Set Up Doesn’t Work for Many Boys
Most classrooms are built around quiet, structured learning. Students are expected to sit still, pay attention, and stay organized—things that many boys naturally struggle with.
Boys are generally more energetic, impulsive, and hands-on. They learn better when they can move around and engage with what they’re doing, but most schools don’t operate that way.
Instead of adapting to different learning styles, schools often see typical boy behavior—like fidgeting, blurting out answers, or being restless—as a problem that needs to be fixed.
2. Early Reading and Writing Struggles Snowball
One of the biggest gaps between boys and girls is in literacy. Boys, on average, take longer to develop strong reading and writing skills.
Since reading is the foundation for almost every subject, struggling in that area makes everything else harder.
If a child falls behind in reading early on, school quickly becomes frustrating. Many boys check out before they ever get a real chance to catch up.
3. More Discipline, Less Support
Boys aren’t just struggling academically; they’re also facing more disciplinary action.
- Boys are suspended and expelled at much higher rates than girls.
- They’re more likely to be labeled as having behavioral problems.
- Instead of finding ways to help boys channel their energy, many schools simply punish them.
The result? Many boys start feeling like school is against them instead of for them.
4. Not Enough Male Role Models in Education
Walk into an elementary school, and most of the teachers will be women. That’s not a bad thing, but it does mean that many boys go through school without seeing men in academic roles.
For some boys, especially those who don’t have strong male role models at home, seeing men as teachers, mentors, and academic achievers could make a difference. If boys don’t see men valuing education, they might not see it as something meant for them either.
5. Society’s Shifting Expectations
Over the last few decades, there has been a strong push to encourage and empower girls—and that’s a great thing. But in the process, fewer voices have been pushing boys to succeed in the same way.
Boys are often given the message that it’s okay to be disengaged in school. The phrase “boys will be boys” has turned into an excuse rather than motivation to help them reach their full potential. Many young men are growing up without the same level of encouragement that girls are receiving.
The Long-Term Effects
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Falling behind in school isn’t just about bad grades—it impacts confidence, motivation, and future success. When boys struggle in school, they start seeing themselves as “not smart” or “not academic.” That mindset follows them for life.
- Dropout rates go up—and so do the risks of unemployment and low-paying jobs.
- Self-esteem takes a hit, leading to anxiety, frustration, and even depression.
- A cycle of disengagement begins—less education, fewer opportunities, and more struggles down the road.
This isn’t just about school anymore—it’s about shaping the future for an entire generation.
What Can Be Done to Help?
The good news? There are ways to turn things around. It won’t happen overnight, but small changes can make a big impact.
1. Change the Way Schools Teach Boys
A lot of boys struggle in traditional classroom settings, so maybe the classroom needs to change.
- More movement-based learning (standing desks, active lessons, and more hands-on activities).
- Less focus on strict organization and more flexibility in how students complete tasks.
- A greater emphasis on subjects that interest boys, so they stay engaged.
2. Make Reading More Appealing
One of the biggest struggles for boys is literacy, but that doesn’t mean they don’t like stories. Many boys love action-packed, adventurous, or funny stories—they just don’t like sitting still to read them.
Instead of forcing traditional books on boys who aren’t interested, schools and parents can encourage:
The goal is to help boys build a love for stories—because once they do, reading becomes easier.
3. More Male Teachers and Mentors
Boys need to see men valuing education. Schools should work harder to bring in more male teachers, especially at the elementary level, where boys are just starting to shape their view of school.
Even outside of school, mentorship programs that connect boys with positive male role models could make a huge difference.
4. Rethink How Discipline Works
Rethinking School Discipline 101 – Why It Matters: https://t.co/37s63hXUjz via @YouTube
— OSERS (@ED_Sped_Rehab) March 17, 2016
Instead of just punishing boys when they act out, schools should focus on:
Boys don’t need harsher discipline. They need better support.
5. Set High Expectations
Boys need to hear that they’re capable of academic success. Schools, parents, and society as a whole need to stop treating education like something that only girls should excel in.
Encouragement matters. Expecting more from boys doesn’t mean putting pressure on them—it means showing them they’re just as capable of success as anyone else.
It’s Time to Pay Attention
For too long, the struggles of boys in education have been ignored or brushed aside. Gender bias in the classroom has often prioritized the needs of girls, leaving boys to fend for themselves.
It’s not about choosing one gender over the other—it’s about making sure that every child has the chance to succeed.
Right now, too many boys are falling behind, feeling left out, and giving up on education. If we want a future where all kids have equal opportunities, we have to start recognizing the challenges boys face in school and doing something about them.