Mindfulness as a School Project in England

In 2017 an international survey by the National Health Service found that between the age of 5 and 19, one out of eight children suffered from at least one mental disorder in England. Because of the outcome of the survey, the British government decided that Mindfulness Practice will be a school project in order to improve the youth of mental health in up to 370 English schools. The program will run from 2020 to 2021.

Mindfulness is a basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us. This is one of the most popular relaxation techniques because this meditation is an exploration that asks us to suspend judgment and to release our natural curiosity about the workings of the mind. With this technique, you can approach the experience with warmth and kindness, to yourself and to others.

Mindfulness program is a non-religious practice, but the roots of this kind of meditation reach back to the early teachings of Buddha. The sessions should take at least 30 minutes for the kids.

The program will help children to learn a different type of relaxation and meditation techniques, such as breathing, exercising, and also other methods like mindful listening, mindful awareness, or mindful appreciation from mental health experts. These techniques will help them control their emotions.

Based on studies: people who meditate more often are healthier, happier, and more successful compared with those who don’t. With these exercises, the kids will learn how to control their feelings, lessen their anxiety and pain. Issues around mental health, happiness, and well-being will be introduced to children slowly from the start of primary school. 

There are other European countries where the children already have opportunities to practice Mindfulness in schools. The studies show that in those schools where the kids can practice these techniques during the school year, aggression has been reduced significantly. 

The English schools try to reduce the negative impressions about mental health problems by educating the students more effectively about mental issues. The program will include several tactics like training the teachers how to hold role-playing exercises and relaxation practices. The program will also invite experts for group conversations. 

This program does not only make the children feel better in the short-term, but it also will prepare them better for their later lives.