Below are highlights from a pilot study done on mindfulness meditation in school. These types of studies are so important and hopefully we will see schools across Australia start to prioritise the emotional health of our children. Training children from young in mindfulness meditation is so practical and makes sense!
Supporting Children’s Mental Health: The Role of Self-Regulation, Emotional Awareness, and Happiness
In Australia, there’s increasing concern about the mental health of school-aged children. Studies reveal that about one in seven kids between 4 and 17 years old experience significant psychological distress, including stress, anxiety, and depression. This issue has worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, with recent surveys indicating that one in five children feel more distressed and anxious than before.
Importance of Self-Regulation
Self-regulation is crucial for children’s mental health. Research shows that children who can self-regulate their emotions and behaviours tend to have better mental health outcomes. Effective self-regulation in early school years is linked to lower rates of depression, anxiety, and various negative behaviours in adulthood. Schools play a vital role in fostering environments that support self-regulation, which, in turn, enhances academic achievement and lifelong adaptation.
Emotional Awareness
Emotional awareness—the ability to recognise and understand one’s own emotions and those of others—is essential for mental wellbeing. Studies indicate that children with high emotional awareness experience fewer emotional and behavioural problems. Training children in emotional awareness can help prevent mental health issues like depression and anxiety, emphasising the need for emotional education in schools.
Happiness and Positive Psychology
Happiness, a core aspect of positive psychology, is crucial for mental health. Research shows that children are happiest when they feel safe, confident, and connected to others. Programs that promote happiness can enhance learning and overall satisfaction with life. Factors influencing happiness, such as self-regulation and emotional awareness, are critical for developing happy and healthy children.
Mindfulness Meditation in Schools
Mindfulness meditation is emerging as an effective tool for improving self-regulation, emotional awareness, and happiness in children. Classroom-based mindfulness programs help children focus on the present moment, reduce stress, and develop emotional resilience. These programs have been shown to improve students’ mental health, reduce anxiety and depression, and enhance overall wellbeing.
A Pilot Study on Mindfulness Meditation
A recent pilot study by Joe Dispenza and others examined the impact of a 10-week classroom-based mindfulness meditation program on primary school children. The study involved daily meditation sessions, tailored for different age groups. The results indicated significant improvements in emotional wellbeing, self-reported school performance, and reductions in emotional and behavioural difficulties.
Fostering self-regulation, emotional awareness, and happiness in children is vital for their mental health. Integrating mindfulness meditation into school curriculums can provide significant benefits, helping children navigate the challenges of growing up with resilience and positivity. As parents or caregivers we can encourage our kids to practise these through modelling it our selves and maybe asking them to join us!
Access the original study here.