Nearly 83% of US K–12 schools use social-emotional curricula to nurture skills like patience, inclusivity, and resilience
Despite widespread beliefs that children today are less resilient, empathetic, or morally grounded, research suggests a different story.
Studies show youths are becoming more empathetic, inclusive, and less narcissistic than previous generations.
Teen drug use, violence, and pregnancies have declined, while IQs and self-restraint skills have improved.
Thoughtful, emotion-focused parenting and social-emotional learning in schools appear to play key roles. Warm, open conversations about feelings and diversity help children develop empathy and emotional regulation.
Nearly 83% of US K–12 schools used social-emotional curricula to nurture skills such as patience, inclusivity, and resilience in the 2023–2024 school year, up from 72% in the 2021–2022 academic year and 46% in the 2017–2018 academic year.
Negative media coverage and cognitive biases exaggerate problems, creating a distorted picture of youth.
Experts note that many kids today are emotionally literate, socially aware, and capable of handling challenges effectively, offering hope for the next generation.