Social And Emotional Learning (SEL) Market Summary

The global social and emotional learning (SEL) market size was estimated at USD 2.31 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 12.90 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 24.3% from 2023 to 2030. Social and emotional learning is the process through which children, youth, and adults systematically develop the knowledge, attitudes, and skills required to recognize and manage emotions, demonstrate empathy, build healthy relationships, make informed and responsible decisions, and achieve positive personal as well as social goals. The growing integration of SEL into education systems reflects the increasing importance of holistic development beyond academic achievement.

The COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted the relevance of SEL, underscoring the need for schools and communities to adopt more comprehensive approaches to children’s learning and overall development. For example, in June 2021, Kinful, a web development studio delivering SEL programs, conducted a survey among schools and found that institutions were increasingly implementing SEL initiatives. The survey results indicated that students engaged in school-based SEL programs showed improved outcomes compared to peers without exposure to such programs, reinforcing the effectiveness of SEL in shaping emotional well-being and academic performance.

Key Market Trends & Insights

• In 2022, North America dominated the global SEL market with the largest revenue share of 40%, supported by established education frameworks, government initiatives, and a strong presence of service providers.
• Asia Pacific is expected to witness lucrative growth opportunities in the coming years, driven by the rapid expansion of digital learning tools, rising mental health awareness, and government focus on integrating SEL into evolving education policies.
• By type, the web-based segment held the leading position in 2022, capturing a revenue share of 58.0%. This dominance is attributed to the wide accessibility, cost-effectiveness, and scalability of online platforms in delivering SEL content.
• By core competencies, the responsible decision-making segment is projected to grow at a notable CAGR between 2023 and 2030, reflecting the increasing emphasis on equipping students with critical thinking and problem-solving skills that foster lifelong learning.
• By end use, the elementary school segment is anticipated to grow significantly from 2023 to 2030, as educators and policymakers recognize the importance of instilling emotional and social competencies from an early stage of development.

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Market Size & Forecast

• 2022 Market Size: USD 2.31 Billion
• 2030 Projected Market Size: USD 12.90 Billion
• CAGR (2023-2030): 24.3%
• North America: Largest market in 2022

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

Well-established as well as emerging players have focused on organic and inorganic strategies to tap into the global market. In doing so, industry players are poised to focus on mergers & acquisitions, innovations, geographical expansions, product offerings, and technological advancements.

For instance, in January 2023, 7 Mindsets, a provider of educational programs focused on SEL, acquired xSEL Labs, a creator of scalable systems to address and assess children's emotional and social needs. The acquisition aims to strengthen the former’s position, expand its offerings, and provide a more robust and diverse set of resources for schools and districts in the U.S.

As investments in SEL during pre-K, elementary, middle, and high school levels could prepare students for academic achievement and positive behaviors both in and out of the classroom, leading players are slated to play a vital role in modernizing K-12 education. Companies are likely to invest in solutions such as platforms and assessment tools and applications expanding SEL education in primary and secondary schools. 

Key Players

• Imagine Learning LLC.
• Positive Action, Inc.
• 7 Mindsets
• SchoolMint
• EVERFI, Inc.
• Playworks
• Move This World
• Growing Leaders
• Ori Learning

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Conclusion

The social and emotional learning market is poised for substantial growth as schools, policymakers, and parents worldwide acknowledge its role in shaping well-rounded individuals capable of managing emotions, building empathy, and making informed decisions. While North America continues to lead, Asia Pacific is emerging as a promising region due to technological adoption and supportive educational reforms. The dominance of web-based platforms and rising demand in elementary schools highlight a strong shift toward early adoption and digital delivery. Moving forward, the integration of SEL into academic curricula, alongside government and private sector support, will significantly expand the global market.