Progressive gender beliefs in teen boys may be protective against violence

(University of Pittsburgh) Teenage boys who witness their peers abusing women and girls are much more likely to bully and fight with others, as well as behave abusively toward their dates, compared to teenage boys who don't witness such behaviors, according to a new analysis. Conversely, the study found that adolescents with more equitable gender attitudes -- those who felt boys and girls deserve equal opportunities and respect -- had lower odds of reporting violent behaviors.