Ethics shapes what we believe is right. Etiquette shapes how we behave. Civility shapes how we treat others, especially when we disagree.  When schools teach these three (I’ve coined “EEC”), they are not just preparing students for exams; they prepare them for life.  Will teaching EEC prevent violence in schools like the one described in the newspaper article?

EEC is about respect, which can mean different things in different cultures. In some countries, respect means strong obedience to elders. In others, it includes politely questioning authority. A compulsory school subject would require agreement on one shared definition, which is not easy.

Knowledge vs Values

Subjects like math or science teach measurable knowledge. However, values, behaviour, and character traits are learned through our environment, and it’s influenced by family, religion, community, and culture. Therefore, they are difficult to grade objectively.

You might say that schools already teach EEC indirectly through the Civic Education subject and school rules & codes of conduct. Yes, schools might teach knowledge and skills, but families and communities teach moral values. Will the making of EEC subjects compulsory worldwide interfere with parental rights? How will countries and national schools teach universal human values without imposing culture or ideology?

Schools, beginning in nursery, should teach ethics: the foundational principles of right and wrong that guide human behaviour. Children can learn early that it is wrong to harm others, that honesty matters, and that fairness and kindness are not optional values but essential ones. Ethics builds conscience and moral judgment.

Schools – from the earliest years, should teach etiquette: how we behave toward others in daily life. This includes showing respect regardless of differences in ability, background, belief, or ethnicity; refraining from insults and harassment; listening when others speak; and practising basic courtesy. Etiquette helps create environments where everyone feels safe and valued.

Schools, starting from day one, should show or teach civility: how we treat others, especially when we disagree. Civility means engaging in polite discussion, being honest without being hurtful, and resolving conflict without hostility. It teaches students that disagreement does not require disrespect.

When schools teach ethics, etiquette, and civility together, they are not just educating minds; they are shaping character and preparing children to participate responsibly and peacefully in our society.