In Jamaica, there have been about 100 reported cases of rape since the start of 2025. Many of these cases involve young girls being harmed by young boys and men. For example, some teenage boys lured and raped a 14-year-old girl, while others drugged and assaulted another girl of the same age. Recently, an 11-year-old boy attacked a 6-year-old girl. This raises a serious question: Why are young men hurting young girls, and how can we prevent it?
WHY DO YOUNG MEN HURT YOUNG GIRLS?
An article by Deutsche Welle explains that the reasons for rape can differ and are hard to measure. Common reasons include anger towards women, wanting to control others, a lack of care for others, and harmful views about masculinity. Some cultures promote negative ideas about being masculine, which can lead to violence and abuse. In Jamaica, music, beliefs, and attitudes among young men often reflect these harmful views. This connection between culture and harmful behaviour is a big part of the problem.
How do these negative attitudes lead to young men hurting girls? One major factor is learning from what they see around them. Psychologist Albert Bandura’s theory says that people learn behaviours by watching and copying others. Young men pick up ideas about relationships and how to treat women from their families, schools, and the media. Unfortunately, many are exposed to harmful messages about women and violence in their homes, schools, and through the media. Sometimes, popular male figures in entertainment even encourage these harmful behaviours, making it seem normal.
WHAT CAN WE DO?
To protect our girls and improve our society, we need to help young men learn better ways to handle their sexuality and relationships. This can be done through education about respect, consent, and emotions. We must address harmful beliefs early on and promote positive attitudes.
This change needs support from families, schools, communities, and churches. These groups can greatly influence young men’s behaviour, so we need to use their power for good. Our distress about young girls being hurt should motivate us to help guide young men toward better choices. They need love, care, and mentorship, and everyone can help in some way.
Ask yourself: What can you do to make a difference? Do you have a son, brother, or male neighbour you can support? We all have a role in helping young men grow positively. The future of our children and our country depends on it.
Tanänia Reid is an aspiring psychotherapist. A faith-filled Christian, Tanänia loves the Lord and has a God-inspired warmth for people (particularly children).
