Teaching empathy
ACROSS the globe, leaders are focusing on the idea of teaching empathy to children to combat bullying and build more successful, helpful adults.
According to an online study conducted by YouGov in 2015, which surveyed almost 5 000 teens aged 13 to 18 in 11 countries including South Africa, an average of 18% of teens across the countries surveyed had been cyber-bullied.
In South Africa, that number was 24%, with 84% saying they know someone who has been bullied online.
While traditional classes in maths, science and languages help to develop future business people, entrepreneurs and innovators – there are no lessons in empathy.
While many may think empathy is innate, or demonstrated through the actions of a child’s caregivers, it is believed to be a learned skill – and one that needs constant practice.
In 2010, a University of Michigan study showed that empathy levels had dropped by 40% in the United States in the last 30 years. So it’s no wonder that the idea of teaching empathy to school children is a growing trend globally.
In Denmark empathy is considered as important as teaching maths and literature. One of their lessons, which starts in their first year and continues until graduation at age 16, is called “Klassen Time” or “the class’s hour”.
It’s a dedicated time for learners to get together to discuss a problem they may be having.
According to Salon.com: “Together, the class tries to find a solution. This could be an issue between two students or a group, or even something unrelated to school at all. If there are no problems to be discussed, then they simply come together to relax and hygge (cozy around together).”
Locally, the idea of teaching empathy to adults, and children, is supported by causes such as The CEO SleepOut.
This event sees business leaders spend a night on the streets raising funds for vulnerable communities and the homeless, emphasising the importance of finding understanding and compassion for those in need.
The School SleepOut – an offshoot event in which learners, teachers and parents spend a night outdoors on their school grounds, collecting items for beneficiaries – also encourages young learners to gain more understanding of homeless life.
For 2017, June has been declared SleepOut month in South Africa. The main CEO SleepOut event will take place on June 22 in Gauteng, with satellite solidarity events expected to take place throughout that month.