Empathy in Schools: A Key to Safer, More Inclusive Learning

The OECD highlights that empathy can be taught and cultivated in education systems, potentially addressing issues like bullying. Researchers and practitioners from Colombia, Finland, India, and the United Kingdom discussed how empathy extends beyond understanding feelings to actively connecting with and helping others. They emphasized that empathy develops best in safe environments where teachers and leaders model it consistently.

The Finnish KiVa anti-bullying program demonstrates a successful approach by focusing on bystanders and building their empathetic response to victims. Studies show KiVa increases students’ “affective empathy,” the ability to share another person’s emotions, across various demographics.

The OECD will assess empathy directly across over 20 education systems in its 2027 Survey on Social and Emotional Skills, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of its development and how schools can best support it. This data will inform policies prioritizing relationships alongside academic results.