Boys or men?

The point at which boys make the transition into manhood is not uniform in all cultures. In some parts of the world, for example, 'boys' become 'men' when they reach their late teens or early twenties; in others, 'boys' become 'men' only when they marry and have children. Adolescent and teenage boys often have concerns that differ greatly from those of older men.

Regardless of age, marital status or other concerns, boys and men have a great deal in common. Moreover, most boys, consciously or not, appear to pattern their behaviour on that of men they know.

Throughout this document, therefore, the term 'men' includes boys who have reached physical sexual maturity. Wherever the term 'boys' has been used, it is for the purpose of drawing particular attention to adolescent boys.