TRANSCRIPT:
For South Carolina Public Radio, I'm Dr. Rénard Harris from the College of Charleston. This is Teachable Moments, a minute of education for students and parents.
With adolescent mental health challenges on the rise, empathy isn’t just important—it’s essential. Empathy, or putting yourself in someone else’s shoes, helps students feel seen, connected, and supported.
Adolescence is a critical time for developing empathy. The brain is wired for social learning, which means even small, everyday interactions can leave an impact.
Educators can lead by example—by listening with empathy, guiding students through conflict resolution, and teaching them to face challenges with compassion and accountability. As our understanding of mental health grows, empathy is a powerful catalyst for meaningful change.
For the College of Charleston, I’m Dr. Rénard Harris.
