We all know what mindfulness is now but as children, we were completely closed off to the idea, right? Well, perhaps that in itself is a problem, many seem to think so.
Schools across England have added mindfulness and meditation to their everyday classes and are trying to figure out just how helpful it can be for these children as they move through their lives. According to the New York Times, these children across over three hundred schools will be working with mental health experts to learn relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, and so much more. This will allow them to better improve their minds as they grow and move through life and prepare them for the things to come.
This program aims to figure out what can be done to help the youth of our current world. This being part of a huge study that will continue on through 2021. From the beginning, all the way until the end these children will be working to in a lot of ways pave the way for better mental health education. If you grow up being able to talk about how you’re feeling you will end up a lot better off.
Education Secretary Damian Hinds said as follows in regards to this shift:
“As a society, we are much more open about our mental health than ever before, but the modern world has brought new pressures for children, while potentially making others worse.”
“Schools and teachers don’t have all the answers, nor should they, but we know that they can play a specific role which is why we have launched one of the biggest mental health trials in schools. These trials are key to improving our understanding of how practical, simple advice can help young people cope with the pressures they face.”
“To support this, we’re introducing compulsory health education in all schools, within which children will start to be introduced gradually to issues around mental health, well-being and happiness right from the start of primary school.”
Considering the number of time children spend at school and the support they need, it only makes sense that this kind of thing would end up happening and I can only hope it sticks. While we are not seeing anything like this in the US just yet perhaps the results of this study will spark something amazing. The more we support mental health education and other things of the sort the more we are working to support ourselves and our own well-being in general.
To learn more on this topic please feel free to check out the video below. Do you think your children could benefit from a class on mindfulness or meditation? I believe everyone could whether they’re children or not.