There is no denying — or avoiding — the fact that children, and even very young children, are suffering from more anxiety than any generation before them.
This increase has been heavily documented in university research papers, psychology studies, and even noted by education professionals…
Up to 55 per cent of teachers in the UK have reported a dramatic rise in anxiety levels in their students in the last few years, and in Australia, the figures are similar.
We have consistently advocated mindfulness and meditation as a treatment for anxiety, as well as the importance of early intervention.
We adopt methods of both approaches in our counselling sessions.
And in some schools, the benefits of mindfulness have been brought straight into the classroom, and have showed incredibly positive results.
The video below shows young students discussing the things that cause them stress and worry in their day-to-day lives…
They’re not new challenges, though — simple things like scoring a goal in a school yard soccer game, or the thought of going to high school, are now proving to cause significant stress for some kids.
But one teacher has adopted mindfulness into her curriculum, with fantastic results.
‘If you didn’t have mindfulness, and you’re feeling nervous, how would you calm down?’, says one young male student.
Watch the video below to see just how effective mindfulness can be for kids.
Then, have a look at the meditation designed specifically for primary school kids from Smiling Mind.
https://www.facebook.com/Upworthy/videos/10154576179011939/
https://www.facebook.com/ABCpodcasts/videos/1836505959970318/
Further Reading:
https://melbournechildpsychology.com.au/blog/the-simple-reason-that-meditation-works/