day · fixed · day 136 of 365

International Boys’ Day

Embracing the uniqueness of boyhood, cherishing strengths, and celebrating the joy in every spirited moment of life.

Attitudes & Emotions Children People & Relationships42

Marketing angleinferred

Position your brand as celebrating boys' emotional well-being and quality time through gift-giving, experiences, and activities that matter to them.

Relevance 42medium intent

'Show Him He Matters' gift guides for boys across age groups
Father-son/mentor-boy activity ideas tied to your product category
Emotional wellness messaging: 'It's OK for boys to have feelings'
User-generated content campaign: parents sharing their favorite boy moments

History

International Boys’ Day got its start in 2018 when it became a project of Dr. Jerome Teelucksingh from Trinidad and Tobago.

At this time, Dr. Teelucksingh issued letters to various NGOs and government leaders, encouraging them to participate in the inaugural observance of this event. It may have been founded in response to the United Nations’ celebration of the International Day of the Girl Child in 2012.

Dr. Teelucksingh is a strong proponent of the need to support boys and men, and in 1999 he was also the founder of International Men’s Day.

Sometimes called the International Day of the Boy Child, this day aims not to oppose girls but to recognize that both genders need help and support as they grow into men and women who will shape the future of the planet and society.

One hope for the day is that boys can be raised in homes and communities that will overcome various harmful influences of society, such as the need for machismo and bravado.

Instead International Boys’ Day encourages teaching and modeling for boys values that include honor and integrity so that they can contribute to their families and society, making the world a better place for both boys and girls.

How to celebrate

Show Some Appreciation to Boys

This is a perfect opportunity to make sure the boys in your sphere of influence are cared for and shown appreciation. While some boys may have received the message that it’s not cool or macho to have feelings, they desperately need to know that they are loved and valued. On International Boys’ Day, show a boy how much he means to you by writing him a letter, taking him out to lunch, giving him a big awkward hug, or finding some other way to make a big deal out of him being the amazing boy that he is!

Spend Time With a Special Boy

Different boys have different interests, so take some time on International Boys’ Day to connect a bit more. Parents, grandparents, other family members, and friends can do some research to find out the best way to enjoy time with a boy, whether he enjoys hiking, swimming, playing video games, or some board games. Carving out time to spend with a boy doing what he enjoys is a wonderful way to celebrate this day!

FAQ

How do traditional ideas about “being a boy” affect boys’ mental health?

Traditional expectations that boys should be tough, stoic, and self-reliant can discourage them from expressing emotions or asking for help, which is linked in research to higher rates of risk-taking, substance use, and suicide among adolescent boys and young men. Organizations such as the American Psychological Association and WHO highlight that rigid gender norms can make boys less likely to seek mental health support and may contribute to violence and bullying, while more flexible, supportive models of masculinity are associated with better well-being and relationships.

What are some evidence-based ways adults can support boys’ emotional development?

Psychologists and pediatric groups recommend that parents, teachers, and caregivers actively name and validate boys’ feelings, model healthy emotional expression themselves, and provide consistent warmth and structure. Research-supported approaches also include using nonviolent discipline, encouraging empathy and perspective-taking, and praising effort and kindness rather than toughness alone, which helps boys build emotional literacy and reduces behavior problems over time.

Are boys really falling behind in school, and if so, in what areas?

In many high- and middle-income countries, education data show that boys on average have lower reading scores and higher rates of school suspension and are more likely to leave school early compared with girls, although patterns vary by region and subject. International assessments such as PISA find that boys lag particularly in reading and are more likely to report low engagement with school, while girls often underrepresent in advanced STEM tracks, emphasizing the necessity of gender-responsive support for both groups.

Do boys need fathers or male role models to grow up well-adjusted?

Research suggests that what matters most is the quality and consistency of caregiving rather than the gender of the caregiver. Studies of father involvement indicate that when fathers or other male caregivers are warm, engaged, and responsible, boys tend to have better academic, social, and behavioral outcomes, but similar benefits are also seen when these qualities are provided by mothers, grandparents, or other adults, including in single-parent or same-sex parent families.

How does exposure to violence and bullying affect boys differently from girls?

Both boys and girls are harmed by violence and bullying, but boys are more likely in many settings to experience physical violence, to be involved in peer violence, and to die from homicide, according to global health data. Studies indicate that boys who witness or experience violence are at greater risk for aggression, substance misuse, and mental health problems, which is why WHO and UNICEF advocate early prevention programs that teach nonviolent conflict resolution and challenge harmful norms about male aggression.

Is there a healthy way to talk about masculinity with boys without shaming them?

Experts recommend focusing on “healthy” or “positive” masculinity, which emphasizes qualities such as courage, responsibility, empathy, and respect for others, rather than rejecting masculinity altogether. Conversations that invite boys to question stereotypes, recognize their own strengths, and see care, vulnerability, and fairness as compatible with being a boy or man are linked with better mental health and lower acceptance of violence or misogyny.

How can digital media and gaming affect boys’ social and emotional development?

Digital media can offer friendships, learning, and stress relief, but heavy or unsupervised use is associated in research with sleep problems, exposure to violent or misogynistic content, and increased risk of cyberbullying, which can particularly affect boys who already feel isolated. Pediatric and psychological guidelines suggest setting age-appropriate limits, co-playing or discussing online content, and encouraging a balance of offline activities, which helps boys develop critical thinking, empathy, and healthier habits around technology.