Building emotional strength and accountability helps children develop resilience without damaging their confidence or mental health
Teaching children to view feedback as learning, separating their actions from their identity, and modelling healthy responses to criticism helps them develop resilience whilst maintaining confidence.
How modern sensitivity to criticism shapes parenting, education, sports and work - and whether that's helping or harming development
Examines how 'woke' culture has softened criticism across parenting, schools, sports and workplaces, weighing benefits like emotional support against risks of reduced resilience.
Has 'woke' culture made young people more likely to avoid criticism?
Modern culture emphasises emotional sensitivity and kindness, which can make some young people reluctant to accept feedback, though the issue is more about how criticism is delivered than whether it should exist.
Mental health diagnoses have risen, but improved awareness and emotional literacy tell a more complex story
Rising anxiety and depression rates among young people reflect real new pressures, yet increased emotional awareness and recognition of previously hidden trauma complicate the picture of declining resilience.
Violence by pupils towards teachers stems from multiple factors including home environment, mental health issues, school resources, and societal influences. Responsibility is shared across children, parents, schools and society.
