Why Healthy Discourse Starts in Our Classrooms

Teacher speaking to students in class.

What if how we engage with each other is just as important as what we know?

Young people are full of potential. They’re passionate, driven, and eager to contribute to their communities. They’re also up against some serious challenges. More than 70% of teens say anxiety and depression are major issues among their peers. At the same time, they’re growing up in a country where divisions are making it harder to simply talk to one another in a constructive way. Around 61% of Americans say talking about political topics with those who disagree is stressful, and approximately 61% admit to self-silencing their true beliefs about sensitive topics.

But this doesn’t have to be our new normal. There’s a better way forward, and it starts in our classrooms by providing skills to navigate tough conversations and problem-solve together. Focusing on social-emotional skill development, we can give students a foundation to communicate well and with compassion. This foundation is key to growing a generation of leaders with the skills to bridge the divides that pull us apart. Social-emotional learning helps young people develop and apply important skills, attitudes, and knowledge that support personal growth and interpersonal competence. Life skills like communication, self-regulation, and empathy are critical not only for individual well-being but also for engaging in respectful dialogue, social problem-solving, and reducing aggression.

What if, instead of avoiding challenges, we taught students how to engage in healthy discourse, listen to understand, and approach disagreements respectfully?

Research consistently shows that social-emotional learning not only improves peer relationships and safety but also helps to build stronger, more supportive school communities. That’s why we’ve developed a resource guide for educators on how to guide students toward respectful dialogue.

Now is the time to invest in young people to develop the life skills necessary to build a better future. By making social-emotional skill development a priority, we’re giving the next generation the tools they need to lead, collaborate, engage thoughtfully, and create a stronger, more connected world.