For you and I, we understand how September 11, 2001, drastically changed the world. The moment those towers were hit, things changed forever.

After the tragic events of 9/11, significant security measures were implemented to safeguard the nation. These measures included the establishment of the Department of Homeland Security, the enhancement of airport security protocols, improved intelligence sharing among government agencies, and the enactment of the USA PATRIOT Act.

Today, students don’t understand the cultural relevance of 9/11. Many of us didn’t live through the Korean War, so we don’t understand it. The same can be said of today’s students. They didn’t live through 9/11, so they depend on what’s being taught to them in schools.

Well, guess what? According to an audit that was conducted in 2017, only 26 states discuss 9/11 in their curriculums and the subsequent war on terrorism.

When teaching about September 11, it is important to discuss the historical context leading up to the attacks, the events of the day, the impact on individuals, families, and communities, the heroism of first responders and civilians, the geopolitical repercussions, the changes in national security measures, and the ways in which the world was forever changed by the tragedy.

It is important for Generation Z to comprehend the impact of 9/11 in order to effectively analyze policies, grasp present-day developments, and establish meaningful relationships with individuals affected by the repercussions of the attacks. This understanding will enable them to assess recent events, such as the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, the treatment of Afghan refugees, and the exploitation of anti-Muslim rhetoric during elections.

If you have kids or grandkids who didn’t live through 9/11, take the time to talk to them about it. Otherwise, get involved in some online discussions. Be one of the people who provide education for what happened and how the world changed.