Boys need support, not disdain

In June 2024, Andrew Reiner, author of Better Boys, Better Men: The New Masculinity That Creates Greater Courage and Emotional Resiliency, published an article entitled “Our culture’s trashing of boys & men is having toxic consequences.”

In this episode, he and Jen discuss what boys need & we can best support boys.

Takeaways:

• Boys need support, not disdain.
• Cultural perceptions of masculinity can be harmful.
• Media often portrays boys negatively.
• Boys are falling behind in education.
• It’s important to understand boys’ emotional needs.
• Parents and educators play a crucial role.
• Challenging traditional masculinity is necessary.
• Creating safe spaces for boys is essential.
• Engaging boys in education requires new approaches.
• Researching boys’ experiences is vital for change.

Links we mentioned (or should have) in this episode:

andrewreinerauthor.com –– Andrew’s website

Andrew Reiner: Building Boys’ Mental Health & Resiliency — ON BOYS episode

Better Boys, Better Men: The New Masculinity that Creates Greater Courage and Emotional Resiliency, by Andrew Reiner

The Trouble with Boys Isn’t Boys — article by Andrew

Young, Male, & Adrift — article by Andrew

Boys are Great shop — boy-affirming merch!

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AI — artificial intelligence — is already a big part of our everyday lives.

We rely on it to help us get from one place to another. (GPS directions, anyone?) We use it to polish our prose. (Spell check and Grammarly, for instance.) Customer service chatbots and product recommendations based on previous purchases — all of these are built on AI.

The public release of ChatGPT, a AI system that using natural language processing, has accelerated the use of AI in modern life. Students routinely use it for school work — to dismay of some teachers. As AI becomes more integrated into the tools and technologies we use every day, understanding how it works—and how to use it responsibly—is becoming essential for both adults and children.

(AI, in fact, helped me rewrite that last sentence. Initially, it said, “Understanding AI & how to use it ethically is quickly becoming a necessary skill.)

In this episode, we talk with Angela Radcliffe, a mom of two, clinical research expert, and AI enthusiast who created Quantum Kids, Guardians of AI: Story Quest and Activity Book to help kids (and their parents) understand ethical uses of AI.

Takeaways:

• AI is rapidly evolving and impacting how children learn.
• Writing with AI can enhance creativity but requires careful guidance.
• Ethics in AI usage is crucial for responsible parenting.
• AI should be treated as a peer to foster collaboration.
• Teaching kindness and responsibility is essential in the age of AI.
• New ways of thinking may emerge from AI’s influence on education.
• Parents should actively engage with AI to understand its capabilities.
• Practical, fun uses of AI can help demystify the technology for families.
• Transparency and trust are vital in navigating AI’s impact.
• AI can be a valuable tool for enhancing everyday tasks and creativity.

Links we mentioned (or should have) in this episode:

Quantum Kids, Guardians of AI: Story Quest and Activity Book, created by Angela Radcliffe

What Teachers Told Me About AI in School

Teens Using AI to Create Deepfakes of Classmates Prompts New Bill

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Young Black men and boys remain the most vulnerable student population in U.S. schools.

That’s why David Kirkland, founder & CEO of forwardED, is asking educators to “put a deliberate focus on Black boys” this year – to uplift Black boys, of course, but also because research shows that addressing the needs of our most vulnerable populations helps ALL.

“It’s not that Black males fail. It’s that we fail Black males,” David says. “it’s important for us to reframe that focus so we can understand what we can do better.”

Takeaways:

• Black boys are the most vulnerable student population in U.S. schools, facing persistent disparities in academic achievement and discipline.
• The education system is failing Black boys, and the framing of the issue needs to shift from blaming Black males to recognizing that the system fails them.
• A comprehensive approach is needed, including funding, culturally responsive education, policy changes, and a shift in mindset and practices.
• Addressing the needs of Black boys will benefit all students and lead to better outcomes in the education system.

Links we mentioned (or should have) in this episode:

www.forward-ed.com/

Reclaiming Possibliity: An Intentional Focus on Black Boys This School Year — article by David

Can We Talk? A Critical Examination of Cellphone Bans in Schools — article by David

Black Boys Matter — ON BOYS episode

Supporting Black Boys Mental Health (w Chandra White-Cummings) — ON BOYS episode

Boys in School Task Force — ON BOYS episode

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The world’s most popular subscription-based learning site for K–12! Get 20% off at ixl.com/TODAY