Our public schools should not portray domestic violence as a battleground of boys versus girls. We must ensure we don't send children the wrong message, writes Elizabeth Jackson.

Remember this. I like girls. I am one.

I also like boys; I gave life to three of them. The eldest is nearly a man, almost 17.

Last Monday was White Ribbon Day at the local public primary school. The children were encouraged to write poems reflecting upon the theme. Some of them were read out during school assembly.

"How was White Ribbon Day, boys?" I asked as they ambled towards me, basketballs bouncing, white T-shirts smudged to a grey brown.

"It was really anti-boy," came the unexpected response.

I know boys get a bad rap these days, and believe me I understand why. Their physicality alone can be overwhelming.

"Stop bouncing balls inside", "don't touch one another", "think your own thoughts inside your own head", "you're not in a competition".

This is the chorus of my life.

But boys can be brave. I've seen it. Stoic two-year-old, blue eyes brimming with tears as he says, "It's OK Mumma, you go to work, I'll be OK."

They can be funny:

"What's a dictator?"

"Someone who takes control and doesn't let anyone else have a say."

"Like you?"

Boys seem to almost burst with enthusiasm. Their scabby knees and bruised legs a testament to the way they gulp at life.

And they can be tender, instinctive protectors of brothers, sisters and mothers.

But this was not the message on White Ribbon Day, according to one of my boys: "Men are just people who drink too much and discriminate women." (sic)

I asked about the poetry. Girls said things like, "Stop hurting us." One teacher said, "Girls are just as good as boys, if not better."

So negative, so counter-productive. Good intentions executed so poorly.

Of course boys need to be educated not to hit women and girls need to know it's not OK to be hit. But do we really want little boys left feeling bad about being male after White Ribbon Day?

What about the positive male role models? Why didn't they get a look in? Educators are taught to ignore bad behaviour and focus on the positive.

There was no mention of Ashley Banjo, dancer extraordinaire and campaigner for women's rights:

Controlling your partner in any way is unhealthy. I've been with my girlfriend for five years and it's important to me that she feels relaxed and free.

Or actor Ricky Whittle:

We can all do something to help end domestic violence. A real man would never abuse his partner or children.

And what about those little boys who will themselves become the victims of domestic violence?

Our public schools should not portray domestic violence as a battleground of boys versus girls. Men need to respect women and vice versa.

Girls are great, it's true, but so too are boys.

Elizabeth Jackson produces and presents Saturday AM and Correspondents Report. View her full profile here.