Author: Dr. Arthur Schwartz (May 14, 2024 – Character.org)
Character education has evolved from teaching and modeling core values to recognizing that teens must actively seek and internalize these values. Teens are developmentally ready to form moral identities and make decisions based on who they aspire to be. However, they face challenges like recognizing moral situations and overcoming pressures. Effective strategies include fostering strong self-guiding narratives, providing moral exercises, and mentoring. These approaches help teens bridge the “intention-action” gap, aligning their actions with their values.