Communication is a must for students

Take a look at any restaurant where a group may be at a table. Members may be communicating with each other by text even though they are physically next to each other.

- Mariano Carrera

Some not even sharing. An increasing number of young couples are not staring into each other's eyes but rather at their phones! We live ina time where interaction is ever-present, but true connection is absent.

As an educator, I see firsthand how students struggle — not just academically, but socially and emotionally. We assume kids will learn how to have relationships: romantic, social, even professional, from their families. Learning how to have healthy, human relationships at home is not happening. That is why I believe schools must start teaching this skill.

The exponential growth in relationship therapy, adulting classes and even friendship therapy show people are entering critical phases of their lives without the tools needed, especially for human connection. Schools can be more relevant and useful to society by focusing on the things that make us human. Three issues come to mind when considering a young couple at dinner.

What did the couple's parents teach them about relationships? How do they get to know each other meaningfully? Or even a discussion afterwards? They may exchange some words, but the communication is indirect. Most couples now meet online rather than face-to-face, which is a big problem for relationships, as when things get complicated, as relationships do, the parties are not prepared to deal with it.