Unity for Change Foundation Director, Jayson Lungu, has called on communities to take a more proactive role in supporting the mental health of the boy child, particularly during the critical stage of puberty.
Speaking in an interview with RCV News in Lusaka, Mr. Lungu expressed concern over the widespread neglect of boys’ emotional needs, warning that this oversight has contributed to rising cases of substance abuse and antisocial behavior among youths in many neighborhoods.
“Emotional well-being of boys is often overlooked and this neglect is one of the reasons more young people, especially boys, turning into what society labels as ‘junkies,” said Mr. Lungu.
Mr. Lungu emphasized the need to provide boys with the same level of emotional support and empowerment that girls often receive during adolescence, a time when both genders are equally vulnerable to mental health challenges.
He stressed that creating safe spaces for open conversations about real-life struggles faced by boys would help them confront issues with confidence and resilience, rather than resorting to destructive behaviors.
Mr. Lungu also urged families to take a more active role in nurturing the mental and emotional development of their sons, fostering strength and stability as they navigate the pressures of growing up.
By Betty Kakoma
