The effect of father absenteeism on teenage boys

Abstract

The family, in all communities, is the primary and most basic unit. However, as a result of modernisation and urbanisation, there has been a shift in the perception that biological parents should raise their children and that they both have responsibilities. The teenagers without fathers are reported to be facing more challenges compared to their counterparts with fathers. These difficulties are most apparent in the areas around the development of the body, mind, personality, social skills, and morality. To investigate the effects of fathers’ absenteeism on teenage boys, this study conducted an in-depth review of past studies. This study reveals teenage boys experience feelings of sadness, loneliness, and rage when their fathers are absent from their lives. More so, the likelihood that these teenage boys will get involved in criminal activity will decrease if their fathers are involved in their lives and provide them with financial support. This study suggests that more social workers be assigned to schools in order to recognise and address cases where teenage boys are reported to be experiencing father absenteeism.