I don't know if you are a parent or have first-hand experience here. But I am and do, and schools spend an inordinate amount of time doing this. Especially in elementary school, but throughout the public education system messages of caring for others are literally everywhere in every possible context.
Even when I was a student this was the case; we had units and assemblies presenting these concepts to an incredibly frustrating and condescending degree.
presenting these concepts to an incredibly frustrating and condescending degree
which means they are lecturing but not really teaching things in a way that let's kids not only understand but actually internalize and apply what they learn.
this is not an easy task. it requires teachers and all school staff to be good role models and much more. i haven't seen that when i went to school, nor do i see it from my kids (although i have to admit i don't even know what i should expect to see, and how much my own shortcomings in this area mess things up)
one thing that i think matters though is that teaching morals needs to include parents, and that is not happening.
the problem with lecturing is that we keep believing that telling someone what to do or how to behave is enough for kids to pick it up and apply.
it may work for math or basic science, but it most certainly doesn't work for moral behavior. that needs to be practiced and children need to be put into situations where they can apply morals and be allowed to make mistakes.
moral education is not a separate subject, but it needs to permeate all learning in school and outside
Even when I was a student this was the case; we had units and assemblies presenting these concepts to an incredibly frustrating and condescending degree.