Four Ways Teachers Can Help Students Develop a Conscience

How do kids develop a sense of right and wrong - and what can educators do to help them act on their conscience?

Conscience. It’s that inner voice guiding us toward what’s right, tapping into our innate goodness and kindness while quieting the negative aspects. When we heed this voice, we feel at peace, knowing we’re doing the right thing despite its difficulty. Ignoring it brings a different outcome. As Sophocles noted 2,500 years ago, "There is no witness so terrible and no accuser so powerful as conscience which dwells within us."

Developing a strong conscience is essential but challenging. According to moral education expert Darcia Narvaez, character development is intertwined with conscience. While parents and schools can teach virtues like honesty, fairness, and responsibility, it is ultimately a child’s conscience that dictates if these virtues are acted upon when needed.

Start Young: The Role of Early Relationships

Conscience development begins in infancy within the parent/caregiver-child relationship. Educators, however, can build upon this foundation. Schools offer an environment where students can learn and practice listening to and acting upon their conscience. How can we tell if a young person is developing a conscience? Key indicators include adhering to rules even when unobserved, showing concern for the hurt, and feeling discomfort when doing wrong.

1. Cultivate Strong Teacher-Student Relationships

Children learn right from wrong from their parents or caregivers. Researchers have found that warm, affectionate parent-child relationships lead to better receptivity and compliance. The same applies to educators. Students are more likely to take advice from teachers who know them, respect them, and handle conflicts fairly. Building strong, respectful relationships with students encourages them to listen to and trust your guidance.

2. Engage in Meaningful Discussions

Students often see events differently from their teachers. Children work hard to understand the world and its rules, and discussing moral judgments helps them gain insight. Research shows that detailed explanations of conflicts from parents lead to stronger consciences in children. As children grow, discussions should include their peers, helping them navigate ethical dilemmas and internalize appropriate rules.

3. Foster Students’ Moral Identities

Our moral identity—how important being a good person is to our sense of self—is crucial for ethical behaviour. Children who embrace rules, develop empathy, and consider themselves moral people are more likely to exhibit prosocial behaviour. Educators should help students see themselves as good people by praising their character and involving them in community