The Differences Between Boys and Girls

There's no denying that boys and girls are different.

Differences between the sexes become more obvious with the onset of puberty, as do boys’ and girls’ needs when it comes to resisting alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drug use. Boys and girls experience adolescence differently because of various social, cultural, physiological, and psychological challenges. For example, among boys, puberty tends to increase aggressive behavior, while among girls, puberty tends to bring a higher incidence of depression.

Studies show that girls may lose self-confidence and self-worth during this pivotal time, become less physically active, perform less well in school, and neglect their own interests and aspirations. During these years, girls are more vulnerable to negative outside influences and to mixed messages about risky behaviors. Girls are also at higher risk than boys for sexual abuse, which has been associated with substance abuse.

Puberty generally occurs a year or two later in boys than it does in girls. The physical changes boys go through can cause a lack of coordination that may lead to injury. Boys tend to experience mood swings and can have feelings of anxiety during puberty. During these years, boys crave exploration of things associated with being grown up, including sexual behavior or experimentation with alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drugs.

But boys and girls also have a lot in common. They need the same kinds of guidance, information, and nuture from their parents to help them grow into healthy, well-informed adolescents and adults.

Both boys and girls are less likely to smoke, drink, or use illegal drugs if they have:

• A positive attitude, an ability to adapt to changing circumstances, and a belief in their ability to "handle things."
• A warm, close-knit family and parental supervision with consistent discipline.
• Close friends, an extended family that provides support, community resources, and family and community attitudes that do not tolerate substance abuse.

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