March 18 marks Mongolian Military Day and the 104th anniversary of the modern Armed Forces. To commemorate the day, the first-ever "BECAUSE I AM A BOY" conference has been held, bringing together 1,000 boys to discuss issues affecting them.
Voices from the Conference are shown below.
E.Nyamdavaa, 11th grade student of the 2nd General Education School, "Parents do not pay much attention to boys’ education. They just say that being alive is enough for boys. That is why boys are often careless. They bully and are also victims of bullying. There are many problems related to bullying among children, and this conference is addressing them.
My school has strong student councils that have helped significantly reduce bullying. There are the challenges teenagers face in choosing their future professions and the pressures of education.
Many boys spend a lot of time in gaming centers, but there are actually good places to spend time in Mongolia. For example, the new 'National Library' in Sukhbaatar district has a team room with computer screens where we can study together and help each other with lessons.
Parents should show more love to their sons and talk to them. Many of my male friends don't talk to their parents; they only talk to each other, often giving each other the wrong advice because they lack experience.
B.Khuslen, 10th grade student, high-school of University of Education, I wish there were more basketball courts and activities that support boys' health. When boys face problems, they usually seek advice from friends, but having a safe space to talk and seek guidance would be really beneficial.
P.Buyannemekh, 11a grade student, School No.3, I like spending my free time on the basketball courts, but in winter, some courts aren’t heated properly. I also wish there were more outdoor basketball and volleyball courts.
M.Bulgantamir, 11g grade student, Sant School, Most boys in our generation are interested in e-sports. However, many gaming centers have poor conditions. The government should monitor and regulate these places to ensure they are clean, safe, and comfortable for children.
B.Tsevelmaa, Founder of the Mongolian Volunteer Center, emphasized the importance of focusing on boys' well-being and development, as they face numerous challenges such as:
- Bullying and violence
- Crime involvement
- Educational struggles
- Mental health issues
She noted that in rural areas, many boys leave school early to work in animal husbandry, and about 96% of child jockeys in horse racing are boys. "Boys from different backgrounds are taking on responsibilities too early, often supporting their families at a young age," she added.
The event, organized by the Mongolian Volunteer Center, in collaboration with the Office of the Governor of the Capital and the Capital Crime Prevention Council, covered key topics such as:
- Gender stereotypes and inequality among boys
- Boys’ health and teenage lifestyle
- Boys' psychology and emotional well-being
- Boys' protection and social relationships
March 18 marks Mongolian Military Day and the 104th anniversary of the modern Armed Forces. To commemorate the day, the first-ever "BECAUSE I AM A BOY" conference has been held, bringing together 1,000 boys to discuss issues affecting them.
Voices from the Conference are shown below.
E.Nyamdavaa, 11th grade student of the 2nd General Education School, "Parents do not pay much attention to boys’ education. They just say that being alive is enough for boys. That is why boys are often careless. They bully and are also victims of bullying. There are many problems related to bullying among children, and this conference is addressing them.
My school has strong student councils that have helped significantly reduce bullying. There are the challenges teenagers face in choosing their future professions and the pressures of education.
Many boys spend a lot of time in gaming centers, but there are actually good places to spend time in Mongolia. For example, the new 'National Library' in Sukhbaatar district has a team room with computer screens where we can study together and help each other with lessons.
Parents should show more love to their sons and talk to them. Many of my male friends don't talk to their parents; they only talk to each other, often giving each other the wrong advice because they lack experience.
B.Khuslen, 10th grade student, high-school of University of Education, I wish there were more basketball courts and activities that support boys' health. When boys face problems, they usually seek advice from friends, but having a safe space to talk and seek guidance would be really beneficial.
P.Buyannemekh, 11a grade student, School No.3, I like spending my free time on the basketball courts, but in winter, some courts aren’t heated properly. I also wish there were more outdoor basketball and volleyball courts.
M.Bulgantamir, 11g grade student, Sant School, Most boys in our generation are interested in e-sports. However, many gaming centers have poor conditions. The government should monitor and regulate these places to ensure they are clean, safe, and comfortable for children.
B.Tsevelmaa, Founder of the Mongolian Volunteer Center, emphasized the importance of focusing on boys' well-being and development, as they face numerous challenges such as:
- Bullying and violence
- Crime involvement
- Educational struggles
- Mental health issues
She noted that in rural areas, many boys leave school early to work in animal husbandry, and about 96% of child jockeys in horse racing are boys. "Boys from different backgrounds are taking on responsibilities too early, often supporting their families at a young age," she added.
The event, organized by the Mongolian Volunteer Center, in collaboration with the Office of the Governor of the Capital and the Capital Crime Prevention Council, covered key topics such as:
- Gender stereotypes and inequality among boys
- Boys’ health and teenage lifestyle
- Boys' psychology and emotional well-being
- Boys' protection and social relationships