Often reporting on children is abstracted from the broader social conditions of our society. This was not so in a recent Mail and Guardian article. The commentary (28/09/07, p.31) drew on the author’s own experience of boyhood and gangsterism. It is a great story as it highlights the importance of developing good masculinities in young boys, as is reflected in the title, “We dare not give up on our boys”.

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The article, by Filkile-Ntsikelelo Moy,a talks about the recent stabbing of Mfundo Ntshangase and places it within the context of broader societal problems. It offers no explanation for schoolyard violence, but does discuss some possible causes.

Conspicuous consumption and glorification of violence are mentioned as dangerous for boys. It encourages the reader to remember that future criminals are likely to be today’s boys and relates a personal story to show how this could lead to tragedy.

Within the confines of an opinion piece, this article is excellent and the editorial commitment to children is applauded. However, if this piece were a feature, it could have included some interesting research and looked more in-depth at the causes of the social problems that turn boys to consumerism and violence. It would also be interesting to look at how this violence currently affects girls of the same age and is likely to impact on levels of gender-based violence.