House of Representatives Committees

Standing Committee on Employment, Education and Workplace Relations

Inquiry into the education of boys
Media release, 19 June 2000

How are we educating boys

Boys are having problems at school. They are experiencing learning difficulties and behavioural problems, and the literacy gap between boys and girls is increasing.

The House of Representatives Committee on Employment, Education and Workplace Relations has established an inquiry to consider the social, cultural and educational factors affecting boys.

House Education Committee Chair, Dr Brendan Nelson said that the Committee was keen to do the inquiry because it was especially concerned with the social and educational outcomes for boys and the significant personal and social consequences.

"Academically boys' performance is slipping behind girls as early as Grade 3 and there are big difficulties once they have fallen behind. It is really difficult for them to catch up," Dr Nelson said. "This then impacts on boys' self-esteem, their behaviour and how they communicate. This can have far reaching consequences, including a detrimental impact on career opportunities and the danger of alcohol abuse, drug use and dysfunctional personal and family relationships.

"The Committee, through this inquiry, wants to understand the problems and look at what may be done in early to middle schooling that can help and benefit boys. Programs for boys do not have to be, and should not be, at the expense of girls. In fact, boys' programs should ultimately benefit women, girls and society generally, as they should be developed in such a way that they contribute to creating a value system that tolerates less harassment, less violence and much less intimidation by men."

Dr Nelson said that the issues surrounding the education of boys need to be brought out into the open and discussed as frankly as possible.

"The Committee's inquiry is a great opportunity for people who have an interest in boys' education to tell their elected representatives what their experiences are and how any concerns may be addressed."

The House Education Committee's inquiry will focus on:

For media comment contact Dr Brendan Nelson MP on 0418 123 438 or 02 6277 4433.
For background information contact the Committee Secretariat:
Ph. 02 6277 4573, Fax 02 6277 4427, E-mail: eewr.reps@aph.gov.au or visit the website at www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/eewr.
For all other media enquiries contact the House of Representatives Media Adviser Sally Webster (02) 6277 2063, 0401 143 724.

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