Who is Responsible for Teaching the Next Generation About Healthy Relationships and What Can We Do Now?

In today’s world, conversations about relationships are everywhere—from social media and reality TV to classrooms and homes. But despite the constant exposure to relationships, young people are still struggling to navigate them in a healthy and fulfilling way. Issues like narcissistic abuse, domestic violence, emotional manipulation, and toxic behaviours continue to persist, making it clear that we need a stronger, more intentional approach to teaching the next generation about healthy relationships.

But whose responsibility is it? Should schools take the lead? Should parents and guardians step up? Or do we, as a society, need to take collective responsibility? This debate is crucial because the way we educate young people about relationships will shape their futures and ultimately, the well-being of our communities.

The Role of Parents and Guardians

For many, parents and guardians are the first teachers when it comes to relationships. The way children observe love, conflict, and communication within their home life often influences their own behaviours in adulthood. Here’s why parents play a crucial role:

1. Modelling Healthy Relationships: Children learn by watching. When they see their parents demonstrating respect, kindness, and open communication, they internalize these behaviours as the norm.

2. Early Conversations Matter: Parents who discuss emotions, boundaries, and respect from an early age set a foundation for future relationships.

3. Addressing Toxic Patterns: Unfortunately, not all children grow up in healthy environments. If a child witnesses narcissistic abuse or domestic violence at home, they may assume the behaviour is the norm or seek to break the cycle. The responsibility of parents is not just to model healthy love, but also to acknowledge and rectify harmful behaviours.

In Contrast

• Some argue that not all parents are equipped to teach healthy relationship skills. Many adults struggle with their own unresolved trauma, toxic patterns, or lack the emotional intelligence to guide their children properly.

• Additionally, young people may rebel against parental advice, especially if their home life is turbulent or lacking in emotional openness.

The Role of Schools in Relationship Education

Many believe that relationship education should be a fundamental part of school curriculums, alongside sex education. Schools provide structured environments where young people can learn about relationships in an objective, informative way.

The Benefits of Relationship Education in Schools:

1. Standardized Information: Unlike home environments, where relationship education varies widely, schools can provide consistent, research-backed education to all students.

2. Teaching Red Flags: Schools can educate students on recognizing emotional abuse, manipulation, and unhealthy behaviours in relationships.

3. Consent and Boundaries: A structured curriculum ensures that discussions about consent, emotional intelligence, and communication are covered thoroughly.

4. Breaking the Cycle of Abuse: By educating young people early, schools have the potential to prevent and/or reduce domestic violence and toxic relationship patterns in the next generation.

In Contrast

1. Some argue that schools should focus on academics and leave relationship education to families.

2. Others worry that schools may not be able to teach these topics in a way that aligns with every student’s personal or cultural beliefs.

3. There’s also the concern that formal education on relationships can feel detached or theoretical compared to real-world experiences.

The Influence of Social Media and Pop Culture

Today, social media, television, and online platforms play a massive role in shaping young people’s views on relationships. Shows like Love Island, Married at First Sight, and The Bachelor often glorify toxic behaviours such as manipulation, emotional games, and lack of communication. Meanwhile, influencers and TikTok personalities can either spread harmful relationship myths or provide much-needed guidance.

How Social Media Shapes Relationship Perceptions:

1. Positive Influences:

   • Platforms like YouTube and Instagram provide access to relationship coaches, psychologists, and survivors who educate on narcissistic abuse awareness and healthy love.

   • Online communities allow young people to share their experiences and learn from one another.

Negative Influences:

• Social media often highlights unrealistic standards, portraying relationships as either fairy tales or dramatic disasters.

• Viral trends sometimes promote toxic relationship behaviors, such as excessive jealousy or controlling behavior as signs of love.

• The lack of regulation means young people are just as likely to receive false or harmful relationship advice as they are to find helpful resources.

In Contrast

• While social media is an unavoidable force, it is not always a reliable or constructive teacher.

• Parents, schools, and society as a whole need to guide young people in critically evaluating the relationship content they consume online.

Society’s Collective Responsibility

Given that relationships affect every aspect of our lives, should society as a whole be responsible for teaching young people about them? Community programs, mentorship initiatives, and media campaigns could help fill in the gaps left by parents, schools, and social media.

What Society Can Do Now:

1. Public Awareness Campaigns: Initiatives that focus on narcissistic abuse awareness, domestic abuse awareness, and healthy relationship habits can educate the masses.

2. Support Groups & Mentorship Programs: Creating spaces where young people can ask questions, seek guidance, and learn from mentors.

3. Encouraging Healthy Conversations: Promoting open discussions about emotional intelligence, communication, and boundaries across different platforms—whether that’s TV, workplaces, or community events.

In Contrast

• Large-scale societal change takes time and resources, and not every individual or community has equal access to these educational opportunities.

• Without structured learning (like in schools), there’s no guarantee that young people will receive accurate or consistent relationship guidance.

What Can We Do Right Now?

Regardless of who bears the primary responsibility, there are steps we can take right now to improve relationship education for the next generation:

1. Start Conversations: Whether you’re a parent, teacher, mentor, or friend, talking about relationships openly can make a difference.

2. Promote Healthy Representations in Media: Support content that prioritizes respect, communication, and emotional well-being in relationships.

3. Encourage Critical Thinking: Teach young people to question and analyse the relationship dynamics they see online and in entertainment.

4. Educate Yourself and Others: Read books, attend workshops, and share knowledge about relationship health.

5. Lead by Example: Demonstrate respect, empathy, and communication in your own relationships to set a standard for others.

The responsibility for teaching the next generation about healthy relationships cannot fall on one group alone. Parents, schools, social media influencers, and society all play a role in shaping young people’s understanding of love, respect, and communication.

If we want to break cycles of domestic violence, narcissistic abuse, and toxic relationship patterns, we must act now. By fostering an open dialogue, promoting education, and leading by example, we can create a future where young people approach relationships with confidence, awareness, and emotional intelligence.

Who do you think should bear the greatest responsibility for teaching young people about relationships? Should it be parents, schools, social media, or a collective effort?

Share your thoughts in the comments below!