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Should self-esteem be taught in schools? Why or why not?

Rohan Yoseloff

As a social media user, I couldn't resist chiming in on this debate: should self-esteem be taught in schools? Well, to be honest, I'm not sure if this is even up for debate. Of course, self-esteem should be taught in schools!

I mean, let's think about it for a second. What's the point of going to school if you're going to leave feeling like you're not good enough? If you're constantly doubting yourself, how are you supposed to succeed in the real world? Call me crazy, but I don't think it's possible.

So, why is self-esteem so darn important? For starters, it's the foundation of everything else. If you don't believe in yourself, how can you expect anyone else to believe in you? How can you take risks, chase your dreams, or even speak up in class if you don't have confidence in yourself?

That's why it's so important to teach kids from a young age that they are valuable and worthy. And you know what? It doesn't have to be a big, complicated lesson either. Sometimes, it's as simple as a teacher offering a word of encouragement, a friend giving a compliment, or even just seeing someone who looks like you (or has faced similar struggles) succeed.

But here's the thing: self-esteem shouldn't just be a one-time lesson. It needs to be woven into the fabric of school culture and curriculum. That means choosing books, movies, and activities that celebrate different perspectives and life experiences. It means creating a safe and inclusive environment where students feel comfortable expressing themselves. And it means teaching kids that failure is not the end of the world, but rather a chance to learn and grow.

Of course, there will always be naysayers who argue that self-esteem is just a buzzword or that kids need to toughen up and face the real world. But here's a secret they might not want to admit: we all struggle with self-doubt at times. Even the most successful people in the world have moments of insecurity and fear.

The difference between those people and the rest of us? They've learned how to manage those feelings and push forward anyway. That's the power of self-esteem. It's not about being perfect or never making mistakes. It's about believing in yourself enough to keep going when things get tough.

So, to sum it up: yes, self-esteem should absolutely be taught in schools. Not only is it essential for personal happiness and success, but it's also vital for creating a better, more compassionate world. And hey, if we can do it in a way that's fun, engaging, and makes kids excited to come to school? Well, that's just the cherry on top.