What Happens When Boys Don’t Speak Up?

*Trigger Warning: This episode discuss The Cornell 7

The Cornell 7 case has us asking some difficult questions as moms raising boys. How do we teach our sons about consent, respect and accountability without making them feel like they're being blamed for the actions of other men? And what happens when boys witness something wrong but stay silent?

We discuss the importance of male friendships, peer pressure and the responsibility of being a good friend, including having the courage to call out bad behaviour. We also explore what we might be missing as parents, why boys need more opportunities for honest conversations and how we can help our sons navigate difficult situations without simply telling them what not to do.

Keywords

friendship, social dynamics, respect, accountability, relationships, parenting, teenage behavior, social media, consent, education

Key Topics

• The concept of 'insignificant' friends and social inclusion

• The importance of mutual respect and understanding in friendships

• How societal and media influences shape perceptions of relationships

• Teaching children and teens about consent and accountability

• The role of open dialogue in fostering healthy social behaviours

• Differences in friendship dynamics between genders