Roehampton University - Why smart boys play dumb

Bright boys dumb down to avoid bullying in schools, according to new research. Becky Francis, professor of education at Roehampton University, found that clever boys were more likely to be branded a "boffin" for being high achievers than girls, and many are also at risk of homophobic verbal abuse and physical bullying. The research, funded by the Economic and Social Research Council, shows that boys who adopt "laddish" behaviour such as rebellion, irresponsibility and hedonism are more likely to be popular, while clever boys who display academic behaviour such as diligence, care and reflection are more likely to be picked on.