Boys in Crisis: Tackling Low Self-Esteem to Safeguard Mental Health at the International Day of the Boy Child 2025
June is Men’s Mental Health Awareness month and every man was once a boy.
On May 16, 2025, the Enugu Stadium buzzed with purpose as the Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation’s co-founder Mrs. Uzoamaka Nwachukwu, engaged participants in an interactive session at an event to mark the International Day of the Boy Child. Under the theme “Building Self-Esteem in Boys: Stand Up, Be Heard, Be Seen,” the event shone a spotlight on the silent crisis of low self-esteem among young boys in Nigeria and globally. With tens of schoolboys, parents, educators, and community leaders in attendance, she outlined critical sources of low self-esteem—underpraise, overpraise, bullying, and labelling (name-calling)—and issued an urgent call to action to protect boys’ mental health. Mrs. Nwachukwu cautioned parents and authority figures to tread carefully, warning that low self-esteem can have devastating effects on mental health, manifesting in adulthood as chronic anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and even suicidal ideation or criminal behavior. The event was organized by Rangers International Football Club with various organizations participating including Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation, Rangers International Football club Foundation and others.
The Silent Threat of Low Self-Esteem
Low self-esteem is a pervasive issue that undermines the mental well-being of young boys, often with lifelong consequences. In Nigeria, where cultural expectations of masculinity demand stoicism and strength, boys are particularly vulnerable to internalizing negative messages about their worth. The Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation, a leading voice in Nigeria’s mental health advocacy, identified four key sources of low self-esteem during the Enugu event:
Underpraise: When boys’ efforts go unrecognized, they may feel invisible or inadequate. In Nigerian families and schools, where academic excellence is often the sole measure of success, boys who struggle academically or excel in non-traditional areas (e.g., arts or sports) may be overlooked, eroding their confidence.
Overpraise: Conversely, excessive or insincere praise can create pressure to maintain an unattainable image, fostering anxiety and fear of failure. This is common in urban Nigeria, where social media amplifies comparisons and unrealistic expectations.
Bullying: Physical, verbal, or cyberbullying remains rampant in Nigerian schools, with 43% of adolescents reporting victimization. Bullying instills shame and isolation, directly contributing to low self-esteem and mental health challenges.
Labelling (Name-Calling): Negative labels like “dull,” “troublesome,” or “weak” from peers, teachers, or parents can become internalized, shaping boys’ self-perception. In Nigeria’s hierarchical culture, such labels are often used to enforce discipline but have lasting psychological scars.
Mrs. Uzoamaka Nwachukwu, a trained child psychologist and co-founder of the Foundation, delivered a powerful address, urging parents, teachers, and community leaders to recognize their role in shaping boys’ self-esteem. “Every word we speak to a boy, every action we take, plants a seed in his mind,” she said. “Underpraise, overpraise, bullying, and name-calling are not just childhood challenges—they are wounds that fester into adulthood, manifesting as chronic anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and even suicidal ideation or criminal behavior.” Her remarks underscored the link between early self-esteem issues and long-term mental health outcomes, a crisis that demands immediate intervention.
The Lasting Impact of Low Self-Esteem
Research supports Mrs. Nwachukwu’s warning. A 2018 study in Southeast Nigeria found that adverse childhood experiences, including bullying and negative labelling, are strongly associated with psychological distress in adulthood, with 36% of young adults reporting persistent low self-esteem linked to such experiences. Globally, low self-esteem is a risk factor for mental health disorders, with men—who face societal pressure to suppress emotions—being 2.1 times more likely to die by suicide than women. In Nigeria, where the suicide rate is 17.3 per 100,000, young men are disproportionately affected, with economic pressures, academic stress, and social expectations amplifying their vulnerability.
Low self-esteem in boyhood can lead to:
Chronic Anxiety and Depression: Persistent feelings of inadequacy fuel anxiety disorders and depressive symptoms, which may persist into adulthood, impairing relationships and career prospects.
Substance Abuse: Boys seeking to cope with low self-worth may turn to alcohol or drugs, a growing issue in Nigeria, where 14.4% of youth report substance use.
Suicidal Ideation: Globally, suicide is the third leading cause of death among young men aged 15-29, with low self-esteem as a key predictor. In Nigeria, stigma around mental health prevents many from seeking help.
Criminal Behavior: Feelings of worthlessness and social exclusion can drive boys toward delinquent behaviors as a misguided attempt to gain acceptance or assert control, aligning with the themes of your book, Youth in Crimes and the Way Out.
Solutions to Empower Boys and Safeguard Mental Health
The Enugu event was more than a call to awareness—it was a blueprint for action. The Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation, known for its free counseling programs for vulnerable groups, proposed practical, culturally relevant solutions to boost boys’ self-esteem, foster help-seeking, and address stressors like bullying and academic pressure. These align with global best practices and Nigeria’s unique socio-cultural context.
1. Boosting Self-Esteem
Affirmation Programs: Schools should implement peer-led affirmation circles, where boys vocalize their strengths and receive positive feedback. A 2016 study in Nigeria showed that group-based interventions increased adolescent self-esteem by 20%.
Skill-Building Opportunities: Extracurricular activities like sports, music, or vocational training can foster competence and confidence. The Foundation’s partnership with Rangers International Football Club Foundation, which engages boys in sports, exemplifies this approach.
Parental Education: Workshops can teach parents to balance praise and constructive feedback, avoiding under- or overpraise. Using Nigerian proverbs like “A kii fi ara eni s’oota” (One does not treat oneself as an enemy) can resonate culturally.
2. Encouraging Speaking Out
Safe Spaces: Schools must establish confidential counseling units, as advocated by Nigeria’s Educational Research and Development Council. The Foundation’s free counseling for youth in Enugu sets a model for accessibility.
Peer Mentorship: Older students can serve as “mental health ambassadors” to normalize speaking out, as piloted in Abuja schools with a 15% increase in help-seeking.
Community Campaigns: Leverage radio and religious platforms to promote open dialogue. The Foundation’s collaboration with churches and mosques can amplify this message.
3. Addressing Bullying and Name-Calling
Anti-Bullying Policies: Schools should enforce zero-tolerance policies, with restorative justice approaches to foster empathy. A Kaduna pilot reduced bullying by 25% through bystander training.
Teacher Training: Professional development can curb teacher-led name-calling, promoting positive reinforcement. The Enugu State Commissioner for Children, Mrs. Ngozi Enih, echoed this at a related event, urging parents to avoid negative comments. COLI Academy courses like: The Complete Mental Health and Wellness Course, Anti-Bullying Workshop - For Educators and Parents, Improving Child and Adolescent Mental Health, and others are offered to teachers at a significant discount to prepare them for workplace and classroom optimal engagement. More at www.coliacademy.org.
Awareness Campaigns: Use events like the International Day of the Boy Child to educate communities about bullying’s impact, as demonstrated by the Foundation’s flier distribution and lectures.
4. Managing Academic Stress and Social Anxiety
Mindfulness Training: Teach boys relaxation techniques like deep breathing to manage exam stress. A 2021 Ogun State study found mindfulness reduced anxiety by 10% among students.
Social Skills Workshops: Drama or debate clubs can build confidence to combat social anxiety, as implemented in Port Harcourt schools with positive outcomes.
Helplines: Promote confidential helplines like Nigeria’s 112.
A Call to Action for Nigeria and Beyond
The International Day of the Boy Child 2025 at Enugu Stadium was a clarion call to protect boys from the silent crisis of low self-esteem. Mrs. Uzoamaka Nwachukwu’s impassioned plea reminds us that every boy’s mental health matters—not just for his future, but for the fabric of our society. As she noted, “A boy with healthy self-esteem grows into a man who uplifts his family and community. But a boy crushed by underpraise, overpraise, bullying, or name-calling risks a lifetime of pain, with ripple effects we cannot ignore.”
Parents, educators, and policymakers must act now:
Parents: Listen to your boys, affirm their worth, and model emotional openness.
Educators: Create safe, inclusive schools where bullying and name-calling are eradicated.
Policymakers: Fund mental health services and integrate counseling into schools, as championed by the Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation.
The stakes are high. With men dying by suicide at twice the rate of women globally—1,337 men daily compared to 641 women—the urgency to nurture boys’ mental health cannot be overstated. In Nigeria, where cultural and economic pressures amplify these risks, the Foundation’s work is a beacon of hope. Let’s build a future where every boy stands tall, speaks out, and thrives—because their mental health is the foundation of a stronger, safer world.
Join the Movement: Connect with the Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation to support free counseling and mental health programs for boys in Nigeria. Visit www.copeandlive.foundation/counselling to learn more.
References
World Health Organization (2025). Suicide: Key Facts. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/suicide
Adebayo, D. O., & Udegbe, I. B. (2016). The effect of group-based intervention on self-esteem among Nigerian adolescents. Journal of Psychology in Africa, 26(3), 237-241.
Agbaje, O. S., et al. (2021). Adverse childhood experiences and psychological distress among higher education students in Southeast Nigeria. Archives of Public Health, 79(1), 1-12.
Oladimeji, B. Y., et al. (2020). Peer-led mental health initiatives in Nigerian secondary schools: A pilot study. West African Journal of Education, 40(1), 67-74.
Suleiman, A., et al. (2022). Bystander intervention training and bullying reduction in Nigerian schools. Journal of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, 34(2), 101-108.
Akinyemi, F. O., et al. (2021). Mindfulness-based interventions for reducing academic stress among Nigerian secondary school students. African Journal of Educational Research, 19(2), 45-53.
Eze, C., & Okonkwo, R. (2020). Social skills training and adolescent mental health in Nigerian urban schools. Nigerian Journal of Clinical Psychology, 12(1), 88-95.
Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation (2025). International Day of the Boy Child Event Report. Enugu, Nigeria.
Boys Champions (2025). Boys to Men Summit Report. The Nation Newspaper.
News Agency of Nigeria (2025). NGO Seeks End to Stereotypes Stalling Boy Child Health, Wellbeing.
About the Writer:
Reverend Chukwudiebube Nwachukwu is the Executive Director, Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation. He holds a Level 3 Mental Health Diploma. He is a trained Grief and Bereavement Counsellor, Depression Counsellor, Emotional Intelligence Life Coach, and Couple Counsellor. Additionally, he is a SAMHI Dual Diagnosis Practitioner and an International Olympic Committee Sports Administrator."
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