Elementary schools emphasize reading and restrict the activity of young boys, who are generally more active and slower to read than girls. Teachers often discipline boys more harshly than girls. Sensitivity isn't modeled to boys, so they don't learn it. Fathers tend to demand that their sons act tough, mothers tend to expect boys to be strong and protective and their friends enforce the rule that a boy doesn't cry. Boys hear confusing messages, for example, to embrace an androgynous sex role and yet not become too feminine.
Boys are often victims of ruthless jeering and insults.
Many find that words don't stop the taunting but punches do, because anger is the only emotion that earns them respect. Since Littleton, psychologists' work on teen-age boys has grabbed the attention of the public, media and research community. Also, boys' academic performance has declined, while girls' achievement has risen. The same pattern is true for college attendance. And boys are much more likely than girls to hurt or kill themselves or each other.