In commemoration of the 2025 International Day of the Boy Child, Princess Adeola Shittu, Convener of the Young Child in School Initiative and founder of Event Diary Lifestyle, has called on communities, schools, and families to create safe, inclusive spaces where boys can openly discuss their emotions and challenges—particularly those related to mental health and peer influence.
This year’s global theme, “Building Self-Esteem in Boys: Stand Up, Be Heard, Be Seen,” underscores the growing need to empower boys to speak up and embrace their emotional well-being in a world that often demands silence from them.
“We live in a society where boys are told to ‘man up’ and suppress their emotions. This culture of silence is dangerous and must change. Boys deserve the same empathy, support, and freedom to express themselves as anyone else,” Princess Shittu stated.
She stressed that ignoring boys’ mental and emotional needs can lead to long-term consequences such as depression, isolation, low academic performance, and behavioral issues. With peer pressure increasingly influencing boys’ self-worth and choices, Shittu emphasized the importance of guiding them toward positive peer interactions and emotional intelligence from an early age.
The Young Child in School Initiative, while known for championing girls' rights and confidence-building, has continually advocated for inclusive mentorship that also reaches young boys—especially in underrepresented and vulnerable communities. This year's observance deepens that commitment by reinforcing conversations that break stereotypes and encourage emotional freedom for boys.
Princess Shittu also called on parents, educators, and policymakers to normalize mental health discussions in homes and schools, and to equip boys with language and tools for self-expression, resilience, and confidence.
“If we want boys to become responsible, confident, and emotionally healthy men, we must start by listening to them today,” she added.
While no formal program like “Boys Talk Circles” has been launched under her initiative, Princess Shittu expressed a strong desire to collaborate with professionals and stakeholders in the future to design targeted programs that support boys' development in schools.