THE decline of moral values in teenagers is frequently observed across societies. This trend can be attributed to weakened family structure, pervasive influence of peer groups, and an education system that places excessive emphasis on academic attainment while failing to adequately nurture ethical and moral development.

One of the aspects of character building that children acquire is politeness, especially when parents and teachers practice it in their daily lives. Politeness is greatly associated with qualities, such as kindness, respect and consideration, all of which are important for building positive relationships and healthy social interactions. When individuals show good manners, they help others feel comfortable and valued, thereby strengthening trust and harmony in society.

When positive behaviour, empathy and respect are consistently modelled and reinforced at home and in educational settings, children and students are more likely to adopt these values in their own lives. A strong Pakistani society can be built by nurturing positive attitudes and moral values among students.

Students are the future of the nation, and their mindset plays a crucial role in shaping social behaviour. By promoting values, such as respect, tolerance, honesty and empathy, we can encourage young people to learn to interact constructively with others despite differences in culture, language or socioeconomic background.

Educational institutions, along with families, have a shared responsibility in this regard. When children grow up with a nice, positive outlook and strong moral foundations, our society will truly progress.

Afifa Talpur
Tandojam

Published in Dawn, March 3rd, 2026