The Ministry of Education of El Salvador announced the implementation of the new Regulation for the Promotion of Courtesy in all public schools starting September 1. The initiative, outlined in a memorandum shared by Minister Karla Trigueros, introduces a system of demerits to encourage students to practice basic expressions of courtesy such as “Good morning,” “Please,” and “Thank you.”
Minister Trigueros emphasized in a statement on X, “With this regulation we will promote essential values such as respect and courtesy among our students, teachers, and administrative staff. We want every child and teenager to grow up practicing these simple but fundamental expressions, thus strengthening civic culture in our schools.”
President Nayib Bukele also commented on the announcement, writing, “To those who do not like the measures being taken in El Salvador, do not worry, you can return to the indifference of the past, like when you did not care what was happening here while 30 Salvadorans were being killed daily.”
The regulation sets specific consequences for students who fail to use expressions of courtesy, ranging from verbal warnings to suspension of privileges. At the same time, schools will recognize and reward those who consistently demonstrate exemplary behavior. The Ministry underlined that the goal is not punishment but the formation of values that will benefit students throughout their lives.