Toxic masculinity, the belief that boys and men must suppress emotion, show dominance, and avoid vulnerability, has been identified as a root cause of violence among young males. According to Anzio Jacobs, Project Management Specialist at the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, these harmful norms are contributing to a cycle of violence that begins in childhood and often continues into adulthood.

“We teach boys from a young age that emotion is weakness and aggression is strength. That mindset fuels violence and silences boys who are themselves victims,” Jacobs said.

He noted that boys are frequently left out of child protection efforts and are less likely to receive the psychosocial support provided to girls.

Jacobs said SA must reframe the way it raises boys, especially in communities where violence is prevalent. Through initiatives such as the Nurturing Non-Violent Boys programme, the Fund works to help boys unlearn toxic behaviours and explore healthier, emotionally intelligent models of masculinity.

“This is about helping boys become men who lead with empathy and strength, not fear and aggression,” he explained.

The discussion comes amid growing concerns about the role of trauma in shaping violent behaviour. A recent case in Mpumalanga provice, where a 15-year-old boy allegedly raped an 8-year-old girl, has reignited debate about the long-term impact of unaddressed violence and abuse in boys’ lives.

“Many perpetrators were once victims,” Jacobs said. “If we don’t offer support early, the cycle repeats itself.”

The Fund has seen promising results from including boys in gender-based violence prevention efforts. In one recent project, over 9 500 boys were reached across the country, with more than half reporting a change in behaviour after participating.

Jacobs said efforts must start at home, in schools, and in community spaces, and called on parents, educators and leaders to stop discouraging boys from showing emotion.

“Let boys cry. Let them feel. That’s how healing starts,” he said. “Don’t wait for boys to break before you build them.”

International Boy Child Day serves as a reminder that protecting boys is not only about shielding them from harm,but also about helping them grow into men who can break the cycle of violence for good.

--ChannelAfrica--