The Downsides to Social-Emotional Learning

SEL programs have some benefits, but misusing them can be harmful

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What is SEL?

Social-emotional learning is an intentional focus on the development of social and emotional skills and competencies in school. The five core competencies of SEL focus are:

1. Self-awareness
2. Self-management
3. Social awareness
4. Relationship skills
5. Responsible decision making

Seems fairly innocuous, even positive, right? What could possibly be harmful about teaching children these essential life skills?

There are many, but I’m writing an article not a book, so I’ll stick to three for today.

SEL programs are easily misused

A common structure for these programs is the Zones of Regulation, wherein there are four colours which identify categories of feelings and energy levels.

The blue zone is essentially feeling sad, sick, or tired. The green zone is supposed to indicate being regulated, but it’s often construed as calm (which is not the same thing) and “ready to learn”.