“Empathy is the Seatbelt of Life”: Why One Expert Says We Must Teach Children to Feel, Not Just Scroll
June offers a gentle nudge to think about kindness and connection. With World Caring Day (June 7), National Making Life Beautiful Day (June 11), and Empathy Day (June 12), it’s a timely reminder to ask ourselves: How can we better support children in growing into kind, emotionally aware young people?
Ahead of these commemorative days, and in support of Be Kind Movement’s mission to embed kindness through emotional intelligence, we sat down with parenting expert, Sue to explore the critical role empathy plays in childhood development—and why putting down smartphones might just be the first step towards a kinder, more connected future.
In a world where scrolling often replaces speaking and echo chambers drown out understanding, empathy is in crisis. For podcaster host and parenting expert Sue Atkins, the need to raise a more emotionally literate generation has never been more urgent.
An interview with Sue Atkins
I sat down with the always-busy Sue Atkins — parenting expert, broadcaster and all-round champion for families — we found ourselves diving into something close to both our hearts: how we can help children grow up kinder, more empathetic, and emotionally resilient in today’s fast-paced world.
Be Kind Movement: Samantha Woods
Samantha: Sue, you've often spoken about the current state of the world. How would you describe it?
Sue: We live in an angry world. Division separates us from kindness, respect, compassion, and love for one another. We seem to be in danger of losing tolerance for others.
Samantha: Why do you believe empathy is so crucial in today's society?
Sue: Empathy is the cornerstone of meaningful human connection. It fosters understanding, compassion, and kindness. Empathy serves as a bridge between us, transcending differences in background, culture, and perspective. It allows us to step into someone else’s shoes, to comprehend their feelings, experiences, and struggles. In a time marked by polarisation and intolerance, empathy offers a path toward healing and reconciliation.
Samantha: Beyond the moral aspect, are there practical reasons to cultivate empathy?
Sue: Absolutely. Empathy isn’t just a moral imperative but also a practical necessity. In an increasingly interconnected world, the ability to understand and relate to others is essential for success in various aspects of life, from personal relationships to professional endeavours. Empathetic people are better equipped to navigate conflicts, collaborate effectively, and foster positive and happy environments.
Samantha: How can parents and educators teach empathy to children?
Sue: Empathy is a skill that can be cultivated from a young age, both at home and in educational settings. Here are some practical tips:
● Lead by Example: Children learn by observing the behaviour of the adults around them. Model empathy in your interactions with others, both offline and online. Show kindness, compassion, and respect, and your children are likely to follow suit.
● Encourage Perspective-Taking: Help children understand different points of view by encouraging them to imagine how others might feel in various situations. Ask questions like, “How would you feel if you were in their shoes?” This cultivates empathy and promotes a deeper understanding of others’ experiences.
● Practice Active Listening: Teach children the importance of listening attentively to others without judgment or interruption. Validate their feelings and show genuine interest in what they have to say. This fosters empathy and strengthens interpersonal connections.
● Promote Kindness Online: In today’s digital age, it’s essential to teach children how to show kindness and empathy online. Encourage them to think before they post or comment, considering how their words might impact others. Remind them to treat others with respect, even in virtual spaces.
● Set Boundaries and Monitor Screen Time: While technology offers numerous benefits, excessive screen time can hinder children’s social and emotional development. Set limits on screen time and encourage offline activities that promote empathy, such as volunteering, reading books, or engaging in face-to-face interactions.
● Address Bullying and Cyberbullying: Teach children to recognise and stand up against bullying behaviour, whether it occurs in person or online. Encourage them to report incidents of bullying and support those who may be experiencing harassment or mistreatment.
Samantha: Could you provide some examples of how to teach empathy to children at different developmental stages?
Sue: Certainly.
● Preschool (Ages 3-5):
○ “How do you think your friend feels when you share your toys with them?”
○ “Let’s use our words to express how we’re feeling. Can you tell me how you feel when you’re sad?”
○ “When someone falls, how can we help them feel better?”
● Early Primary School (Ages 6-8):
○ “Imagine how your classmate feels when they’re left out of a game. How can we include them?”
○ “How would you feel if someone said mean things to you? It’s important to treat others the way we want to be treated.”
○ “Let’s think about how we can help our neighbours who might need some extra support.”
● Later Primary School (Ages 9-12):
○ “Consider how your actions might impact others. How can we show empathy in our daily interactions?”
○ “If you notice someone struggling with their schoolwork, how can you offer to help them?”
○ “When you see someone being mistreated, speak up and support them. Empathy means standing up for what’s right.”
● Teenagers (Ages 13-18):
○ “Empathy involves understanding different perspectives, even when we disagree. How can we engage in respectful conversations?”
○ “Think about the challenges your peers might be facing. How can we support each other during tough times?”
○ “Online interactions matter too. Consider the impact of your words and actions on others, both online and offline.”
Samantha: As we approach June and the many commemorative days, what message would you like to share with parents and educators?
Sue: Empathy is a powerful force for building connections, fostering understanding, and promoting kindness in our increasingly interconnected world. By teaching children to cultivate empathy both offline and online, we can equip them with the tools they need to navigate the complexities of human relationships and contribute positively to society. We need to recommit ourselves to nurturing empathy in the next generation, ensuring a brighter, more compassionate future for all.
To find out more about how Be Kind Movement’s kindness values are promoting empathy in schools among children and young people and how you can help support our mission, please follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn.
Whether you're a school, parent or caregiver, we offer a range of tools and resources to help you shape a compassionate journey that works for the children and young people in your care. Start exploring how we can support you today. If you’d like to listen to Sue’s podcast, "Navigating the Digital Jungle” provides expert tips and simple strategies. New episodes are released every Thursday.