Can relationships be taught as a curriculum in a classroom?
There's been plenty of hulaballoo around the need to bring such topics into the curriculum, and finally, someone is listening. Needless to say, the announcement has generated a lot of anticipation, and, of course, one big question that everyone seems to be asking: Is it actually going to make a difference?India Today tried to understand the sentiment by speaking to parents as well as relationship experts.A new breed of emotionally aware loversWith the introduction of a course that helps students understand relationships and its intricacies better, will we be able to welcome a new breed of emotionally aware lovers/partners?advertisementRuchi Ruuh, a Delhi-based relationship expert, feels maybe. 'Young adults today are navigating an incredibly complex emotional landscape. This course can offer something that can help them navigate this complexity, like long-distance relationships, situationships, digital intimacy, complex relationship dynamics and even burnout from dating apps. What these young people can learn is the vocabulary, psychological insight and communication tools to express and understand relationships.'This method demystifies conflict and reframes 'disagreements' as problem-solving exercises. Relationship fluency can hinge on reflective journaling prompts that prompt learners to chart their attachment patterns, triggers, and strengths. Regular self-assessment establishes self-awareness, an essential prerequisite for a healthy connection.Dr. Chandni Tugnait, the founder of Gateway of Healing and a well-known relationship coach, agrees as well. She is of the opinion that this course can help demystify conflict and reframe 'disagreements' as problem-solving exercises.Knowledge vs lived experienceOf course, love isn't a formula, and emotional intelligence isn't taught via chalkboard equations. Then, how do we see this making a difference?'Relationships are about doing, about how we respond to life, modelled from caregivers and past experiences,' explains Ruchi. 'But a course like this can help students process their experiences more consciously.'She compares it to learning about nutrition: 'Just because you study it doesn't mean you'll be fit, but it makes you aware. Likewise, relationship education won't prevent heartbreaks, but it can teach boundaries, empathy, and awareness.'More than just love talkIn a society where sex education is still taboo, will this course be able to make a difference? It could at least make a dent, both experts believe. While the course title includes 'relationships,' it's not just about dating. It's about consent. Communication. Respect. And perhaps most importantly, emotional safety.While all the scepticism that you hear about sex education cannot be entirely denied, this initiative could be a much-needed nudge forward.'It can help normalise discussions about consent, emotional boundaries, and digital intimacy, creating a stage for topics that are otherwise sidelined. "Role-plays and scenario analysis can demystify consent and communication, offering students concrete language and techniques before they face real situations,' Dr Tugnait believes.However, she also expresses her apprehensions. 'If the curriculum stops at basic consent models and attachment-style overviews, it risks merely scratching the surface. True bridge-building requires candid exploration of sexual health, pleasure, power dynamics, and cultural stigmas, areas often omitted in relationship-only courses. Incorporating expert panels- counsellors, sexual-health educators, and supervised peer discussions can deepen the material, transforming abstract concepts into lived skills.'Sooner the better?advertisementAnother much-talked-about aspect of this course has been the time. Many are of the opinion that introducing something like this should be done earlier, in school, in fact, when the child is developing and in the receptive mode. Experts don't differ either.'By high school, most young people are already navigating crushes, heartbreaks, peer pressure and even toxic dynamics, most often in silence. Introducing relationship literacy early can help teens build emotional regulation, understand consent, respect boundaries, and most importantly, unlearn harmful patterns in relationships,' says Ruchi Ruuh.Dr Tugnait breaks down the cons of introducing such subjects into the curriculum:advertisementEarly emotional literacy development: Introducing relationship education in high school helps students build emotional vocabulary and self-awareness before intense feelings overwhelm them.Consent and boundary skills: Adolescents often lack clear guidance on consent and personal boundaries. A structured course can teach them to recognise verbal and non-verbal cues, negotiate comfort levels, and respect others' limits.Digital relationship navigation: Teens' first romantic experiences frequently occur online, through texting, social media, or dating apps. Hence, the importance.Prevention of toxic patterns: Early exposure to concepts like power imbalances, emotional manipulation, and healthy conflict resolution helps students to spot red flags in real time.Parents talk**Mr. Arjun Tiwari's daughter studies in Class 11 at a reputed Delhi school. When asked what he thinks about DU's new initiative, he said, 'It's a good initiative. There are things we cannot always talk about with our children, and there's a constant fear about whether they're on the right path. I just hope this is done properly, so students truly take away the understanding they need when it comes to modern relationships.'**Surabhi Mathur's son just graduated, and she feels this should have come much earlier. 'I would've been really happy if my son had had the opportunity when he was in college. It's a welcome change, but let's not expect too much too soon.'**Note: (Name Changed)
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