In a striking shift from the past, most teenagers today believe that boys and girls are on equal footing in school, with many even saying that girls have the upper hand. According to a new Pew Research Center survey, girls are more likely to excel in academics, take on leadership roles, and engage actively in class, while boys are more prone to behavioral issues and less likely to pursue higher education. “In the last 50 years, as girls have made gains, what we’ve seen is boys haven’t made the same gains,” says Matt Englar-Carlson, a researcher on boys' education. Boys' struggles could have long-term social and economic impacts, as fewer men attend college and secure stable jobs. While gender norms persist—girls feel more pressure to look good, boys feel pressure to be physically strong—there is growing concern that more needs to be done to support boys' academic success and emotional well-being.

Key Points:

• Teen Perceptions: More than half of teenagers think boys and girls are mostly equal in school, while many say girls have advantages.
• Academic Disparities: Girls outperform boys in reading and have closed the gap in math, though disparities grew post-pandemic.
• College Aspirations: 60% of girls plan to attend a four-year college compared to only 46% of boys.
• Boys' Challenges: Boys are more likely to be disruptive, struggle with emotional regulation, and engage in risky behaviors.
• Teacher Favoritism? 23% of boys believe teachers favor girls, while only 9% of girls think the same.
• Socialization Differences: Boys tend to do the bare minimum academically, whereas girls are more achievement-driven.
• Mental Health Struggles: Anxiety and depression are top concerns for both genders, though teenage girls report experiencing them more.
• Support Initiatives: More adults believe boys need better emotional support and academic encouragement. 57% say boys struggle to express their feelings.
• Future Goals: Despite differences in education, boys and girls share similar aspirations—enjoyable careers, strong friendships, and financial stability.

This study highlights a major cultural shift in education while raising questions about how to better support struggling boys without rolling back the progress made for girls.
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