Building emotional intelligence in youth

Emotional intelligence, often described as the ability to recognise, understand and manage one's own emotions while empathising with others, has become as important as academic intelligence in determining success and happiness.

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In a world increasingly shaped by technology, competition and social pressures, helping young people develop emotional intelligence is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity. Schools and families must share this responsibility if the next generation is to grow up resilient, compassionate and socially aware.

The first step is helping children identify and name their emotions. Many young people struggle to articulate what they feel because they are rarely encouraged to do so. Adults often rush to correct behaviour without probing its emotional roots. When a child throws a tantrum, for example, it may not just be defiance but frustration or fear. Encouraging children to express their feelings in words rather than actions fosters self-awareness, the cornerstone of emotional intelligence. Parents and teachers can model this by openly discussing their own emotions in appropriate ways. A teacher who says, “I felt disappointed that many students did not complete the assignment,” teaches more than grammar; they show that emotions can be communicated calmly and constructively.