# Child protection advocates say boys are often excluded from support systems because institutions fail to recognise their vulnerability. This comes as the world commemorated International Day of the Boy Child. In their opinion piece in Daily Maverick, Aluta Sneke and C Anzio Jacobs argue that harmful social norms discourage boys from seeking help or expressing emotion. They say evidence from programmes supported by the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund shows boys respond positively when safe spaces and counselling are provided, helping reduce violence, trauma and self-destructive behaviour.
Experts call for better support systems for boys