Ghanaian blogger and humanitarian, Kobby Kyei, has raised concern about the silent struggles many boys face while growing up, calling for more open conversations and support systems for the boy child.
In a series of tweets, he noted that although there may be no exact data, a considerable number of boys are exposed to sexual content at a young age, while others encounter inappropriate experiences early in life. According to him, these moments often leave lasting emotional and psychological effects that many carry into adulthood.
“I may not have the exact statistics, but many boys had their first s3xual experiences with older women. Others were exposed to pornography at a young age. Many of these boys, now grown men, are afraid to share their stories, even though those experiences still affect them today. Some were never able to open up to their parents about it,” he wrote.
Kobby Kyei explained that a number of men find it difficult to speak about such experiences, largely because they were never given the space to do so while growing up. Some, he added, could not even confide in their parents, leaving them to deal with the impact on their own.
The blogger therefore urged parents and guardians to be more intentional about creating safe environments where boys feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and experiences. He cautioned against the use of dismissive language such as “man up,” stressing the need for empathy, guidance, and active listening.
Read Also: Impactful blogging is more important than getting followers on social media – Kobby Kyei
“Dear parents and those raising sons, please create space for honest conversations. Listen to your boys and understand them. Stop telling them to “man up” and start supporting them with empathy and guidance,” he added.
Kobby further revealed that since starting a campaign focused on empowering the boy child and promoting safe spaces, he has received messages from older men, including those in their 40s and 50s, who have opened up about difficult experiences from their childhood.
He noted that many of these individuals endured abuse and harsh treatment in silence, and have expressed appreciation for the initiative, as it gives them an opportunity to be heard.
The award-winning blogger also encouraged boys and men to pay close attention to their mental health, describing it as an important aspect of their overall wellbeing that should not be ignored.
