Emphasizing etiquette in education can mould future generations into empathetic individuals who succeed in a diverse world.

There was a time when etiquette skills were taught in the schools. Much of it covered areas of dining etiquette, telephone skills and writing thank you notes. It was valuable knowledge for social skills that could prove to be beneficial to almost everyone. With the direction of technology, many of the manners associated with telephone skills have vanished, writing thank you notes now come in the form of a text message and dining etiquette got lost somewhere in the fast-food restaurants. When any of these areas do arise, we are often at a loss at how to respond to the challenge. I have had students who were unaware of how to form a letter and address an envelope to mail a handwritten note to someone. Not to mention, why we would deposit the letter into the big blue US box on the street corner! All social skills should not be subject to technology. Teaching good etiquette basics prepares individuals with social tools and techniques that builds confidence and skills that can be utilized for a lifetime. Teaching etiquette in the schools is a wonderful place to start again!