The Real Difference Between Boys and Girls

The Brain

Neurology
Female brains are more compact than male brains in that, though smaller, they are more densely packed with neurons, particularly in the

region responsible for language. Also, females

have language functions evenly distributed in

both cerebral hemispheres.

Neurology
While in males, they are more concentrated in the left hemisphere. This puts males more at risk for language disorders like dyslexia

Communication
Deborah Tannens studies found these gender differences in

communication styles:
Men tend to talk more than women in public situations, but women tend to talk more than men at home. Females are more inclined to face each other and make eye contact when talking, while males are more likely to look

away from each other.

Communication
Boys tend to jump from topic to topic, but girls tend to talk at

length about one topic.

When listening, women make more noises such as mmhmm and uh-huh, while men are more likely to listen silently. Women are inclined to express agreement and support, while

men are more inclined to debate.

Social Development

Popular Misconceptions
Girls often get a bad rap for gossiping, forming cliques, and other aggressive social behavior, as characterized in the popular movie Mean Girls. Boys, meanwhile, are known for physically aggressive behavior, such as hitting

TRUTH OF THE MATTER

These attitudes While may boys be at least indeed partly more unfounded. are

physically aggressive, girls and boys are equally

guilty of aggressive social behavior, according to

the report published in Child Development.

TRUTH OF THE MATTER

The indirect aggression that girls tend to use can be just as damaging, if not more damaging than the direct aggression boys may use.

Friendship
When engaged in social activities such as recess, boys
and girls have very different ways of interrelating. Boys prefer large groups that often have one or two children in charge. This may be due to the boys' need to maintain personal space between themselves and

friends and to conceal their feelings

Friendship
Whereas girls enjoy personal connections in smaller
groupings with special importance placed on a best friend.. Girls share their emotions with close friends and thrive on these warm personal relationships

How to Protect our Youth

Important Protective Factors for All Students

Positive adult relationships Engagement and competence in pro-social activities Taking leadership roles QUANITY o resource/protective factors

For boys and girls of all cultural background/ethnicity

Most Important Protective Factors for Girls

Support from a caring adult Success in school Family and school connectedness Religion

Most effective for younger adolescences

NOW WHAT DOES THESE RANDOM FACTS HAVE TO DO WITH ANYTHING?!!!

Im glad you asked.

Well, if we understand the differences between the way boys and girls understand different aspects of life, it allows us to aid them in a way that is beneficial for them. Which allows us to do our job more effectively.

Sources
Websites
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. http://www.parenting.com/article/Baby/Development/The-Real-Difference-Between-Boys-andGirls http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=92733 Adolescent Girls Brain and Psychosocial Development Workshop (Penny Haney Ph.D.) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gender_differences#Neurology http://ltc.umanitoba.ca/wiki/Social_differences_in_gender_roles--Part_2_%28A12%29