Teaching Character in Australian Schools: A Call for Action

In recent years, Australian schools have faced increasing challenges related to student behavior, societal divisions, and online misconduct. Professor Lucas Walsh, Director of the Monash Centre for Youth Policy and Education Practice, argues that integrating character education into the curriculum can address these issues and foster a more cohesive society.

Despite the Australian Curriculum's emphasis on personal and social capability, Walsh notes that there is a lack of a structured, nationwide approach to developing virtues such as respect, kindness, and civility. While the curriculum aims to help students understand themselves and others and manage their relationships, lives, work, and learning more effectively, it does not provide explicit guidance on cultivating character.

Walsh advocates for a comprehensive character education framework that teaches students to "know, love, and do the good." He draws inspiration from the UK's Jubilee Centre for Character and Virtues, which has developed a widely recognized framework for character education in schools. This framework emphasizes the importance of schools in fostering virtues that contribute to individual flourishing and social harmony.

In Australia, statistics reveal an increase in violence against school leaders and teachers, as well as troubling attitudes among youth toward online behavior. Walsh contends that character education could address these issues by promoting shared values, civic friendship, and responsible citizenship.

While some Australian schools have begun to integrate character education into their programs, Walsh emphasizes the need for a broader, systemic adoption. He suggests that character education should be embedded across all subjects, school activities, and the school's ethos. This approach would ensure that character development becomes a central focus in preparing young people not just for work, but for life in a cohesive society.

As Australia grapples with rising societal challenges, integrating character education into schools offers a proactive approach to fostering a more respectful and cohesive society. By equipping students with the virtues necessary for positive social interactions, schools can play a pivotal role in shaping a better future for all.