House of Representatives Committees

Standing Committee on Employment, Education and Workplace Relations

Inquiry into the education of boys
Media release, 28 March 2001
Att: National TV, Radio & Print Media
STORY ON: Thursday 29 March 2001

Recovering disaffected boys in education

Boys are often blamed for disruptive behaviour or having a bad attitude. Some have low self-esteem, difficulty communicating with others and display problems at school. Some boys are experiencing learning difficulties and the literacy gap between boys and girls is increasing. So, what is the problem facing boys and what can be done to help?

At this Thursday's public hearing the House of Representatives Education Committee will discuss what can be done to recover boys who have disengaged from education. Mr John Fleming from Boys in Focus consultants will talk about their internationally recognised program for working with boys which includes specialists in education, policing, juvenile justice and mentoring. He will be accompanied by colleagues and a couple of young men who have been assisted by theBoys in Focus program.

The House Education Committee is currently undertaking an inquiry into the education of boys focussing on the social, cultural and educational factors affecting boys.

Mrs Kay Elson, Committee Chair, said it was important to provide ways for boys who have disengaged from learning to find their way back.

"There is no doubt that the young men most likely to commit crimes or otherwise lead unsatisfying lives are those who failed to find success through school and education," Mrs Elson said. "It is vitally important that school provides successful learning experiences for all students and this inquiry is seeking to discover why some boys disengage from learning and what can be done to prevent it. However, we are also concerned to find ways to assist those who have already given up and the Committee is interested to learn about strategies and programs that engage boys' attention and lead them back to positive learning experiences and good relationships with others."

For background information on the inquiry, visit: www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/eewr

For media comment contact Mrs Kay Elson MP, Chair of the House Education Committee, on 07 3807 6340

For background information contact the Committee Secretariat on (02) 6277 4573.

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