Boys are increasingly lagging behind in secondary and higher secondary education, as the recent SSC 2024 results have demonstrated. This trend has led many including the Prime Minister to wonder why boys are underperforming in schools.
Educationists have pointed out that many boys are glued to their mobile phones and social media platforms even when at home, resulting in inattentiveness and lack of focus. In contrast, girls tend to be more attentive and diligent in their studies. As a result, male students in schools are falling behind their female peers.
Experts believe that boys addiction to technology, coupled with inattentiveness in class and a tendency to disobey their parents contribute significantly to their educational lag. Conversely, girls benefit from stronger parental control and are more focused on their studies.
Government initiatives such as promoting social awareness about girls education, preventing child marriage, and offering scholarships have also boosted girls participation and success in education.
Recent results from the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examinations underscore this trend. Girls have outperformed boys with an 84.47% pass rate compared to 81.57% for boys. Additionally, more girls achieved the top GPA-5 score, with 98,776 girls attaining this grade against 83,353 boys.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, during the release of the 2024 SSC examination results on May 12, highlighted the need to investigate the reasons behind boys declining performance. She emphasised that while the higher pass rates for girls are positive, it is crucial to understand and address why boys are falling behind.
The Prime Minister also raised concerns about teenagers forming gangs, noting that this trend is unacceptable.
She stressed the importance of guiding youth towards productive activities and away from delinquency.
Education Minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel acknowledged the Prime Ministers directives, stating that while scholarships are provided equally to both genders, additional measures may be needed to support boys educational progress. The ministry is committed to investigating the underlying reasons for boys underperformance.
Dhaka University Emeritus Professor Serajul Islam Choudhury attributed boys lagging behind to excessive use of social media and a lack of discipline. He noted that boys are more likely to be distracted and less attentive in their studies compared to girls, who are often under stricter parental supervision.
Rasheda K Chowdhury, educationist and a former caretaker government adviser, echoed these sentiments, pointing to boys misuse of the internet and time-consuming gaming habits as significant factors. She emphasised the need for boys to adopt the same values and responsibilities instilled in girls to achieve educational parity. —UNB
