Building on strengths to counter bad behaviour

Monday 7 March 2005

"So often the public hear media reports about men's drunkenness and loutish behaviour that it is easy to forget about the positive aspects of the masculine identity," says Deborah Hartman from the University of Newcastle.

The researcher from the Boys in Schools program at the University says that recent events in the world of rugby league have again focussed attention on the negative aspects of men's behaviour.

"Such negative media impacts on the boys in our schools who often struggle to establish a positive identity for themselves, not only as learners but as future employees, fathers and community members," says Deborah.

"Educators and researchers from across Australia, New Zealand and from as far afield as the Netherlands will gather in Melbourne in early April for the University’s 4th Biennial Working with Boys Building Fine Men conference to hear the latest good news on boys’ education."

"One stream of our conference will focus on boys' identity where teachers and researchers will showcase innovative strategies that look at the positive side of boys - their vitality, energy, sense of humour."

The schools have devised programs that celebrate the upside of male identity allowing them to engage boys in learning, reduce behavioural problems and improve academic outcomes.

"Some of the strategies sound quite radical but the schools involved say that the proof is in their happier, more cooperative and involved male students."

At the conference Freerk Ykema from The Netherlands will discuss his internationally recognised Rock and Water program that provides boys with the room and support to explore their identity. With so many influences on a boy growing up today, it is important that boys develop a positive identity.

"A positive identity is about being strong (like a rock) or accommodating (like water) depending on the situation and what is appropriate behaviour within that situation," says Deborah.

The latest research on boys in schools will be presented at the 4th Biennial Conference Working with Boys Building Fine Men, Convened by the Boys in Schools Program, Family Action Centre, University of Newcastle to be held from Sunday 3 April - Tuesday 5 April 2005 at the Melbourne Convention Centre.

For more information visit: http://www.pco.com.au/boys2005/

For media interviews: Deborah Hartman on (02) 4921 6749.