Indonesian, Fijian boys falling behind girls in school

Monash University study finds boys in low-income communities spend less time on education

MNTV News Desk – Boys from disadvantaged communities in Indonesia and Fiji are spending significantly less time on education than girls, according to a new study by Monash University. 

The findings reflect a growing global trend of boys falling behind academically, including in low- and middle-income countries.

The study, conducted between 2018 and 2021, surveyed over 1,400 children aged 5 to 15 across 24 informal settlements. 

Researchers found that children spent an average of 28 hours a week on school-related activities — far below the time expected in formal education systems.

However, boys averaged three hours less than girls, despite girls spending more time on unpaid household work, particularly caregiving duties.

Instead of studying, boys spent more time playing outdoors, which researchers warned could expose them to environmental hazards common in informal settlements. 

An estimated 350 to 500 million children globally live in such conditions, facing poverty and heightened risks.

The report highlights a reversal in traditional education gender gaps, as boys now trail girls academically not just in high-income nations but increasingly in lower-income settings as well.

Experts warn the trend could carry serious long-term effects. 

Boys who fall behind in school often struggle later with employment, and may face higher risks of substance abuse or encounters with the justice system.

To address the issue, researchers recommend raising parental awareness about the importance of education time and establishing school or community-based mentoring programs tailored to boys.