Relaxation techniques teaching U.K. students to calm down

Summary

Stress-reducing mindfulness exercises are gaining traction in schools to combat mental health issues among students. In England, a unique study involves nearly 400 schools teaching relaxation techniques like 'wings to the sky' to improve children's mental well-being. With anxiety on the rise, especially among kids, this government-backed trial, led by Professor Jessica Dayton, is the largest of its kind. Early results from Arnold Academy show an 80% reduction in misconduct reports after implementing these exercises, suggesting their potential effectiveness in creating a calmer, more rational learning environment.

Takeaways

• 🌐 Stress-reducing exercises and mindfulness are becoming popular in schools worldwide.
• 📱 Apps like Headspace and Calm have over a hundred million users combined, indicating a widespread interest in mental health tools.
• 🏫 Schools in England are conducting a unique study to explore how relaxation techniques can help students with mental health issues.
• 🧘‍♀️ A specific relaxation technique called 'wings to the sky' is being taught to students to help them manage stress.
• 📉 There's a rising trend of anxiety among children, both in England and the U.S., with a 20% increase in American children diagnosed with anxiety over five years.
• 🔬 The government-backed trial in England, led by Professor Jessica Dayton, is the largest of its kind, aiming to study the impact of these exercises on children's mental health.
• 📚 After just two and a half months of practicing relaxation techniques, Arnold Academy saw an 80% drop in reports of misconduct.
• 👨‍🏫 Teachers at Arnold Academy, like history teacher Rachel Bradford, have observed positive changes in student behavior after implementing relaxation exercises.
• 👦 12-year-old student Harrison shares his personal experience of how relaxation techniques have helped him avoid getting into trouble.
• 🤔 There is a cautionary note that not all students may find the same relaxation techniques effective, suggesting the importance of varied approaches.
• 🌟 The study's supporters hope that if effective, all schools in England will eventually offer these relaxation techniques to help children become their best selves.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the script?

The main topic of the script is the growing popularity of stress-reducing exercises and mindfulness techniques in schools, particularly in England, to help students cope with mental health issues.

What are some popular mindfulness apps mentioned in the script?

The script mentions apps like Headspace and Calm, which have more than a hundred million users combined.

What is the name of the relaxation technique introduced to students at Arnold Academy?

The relaxation technique introduced is called 'wings to the sky.'

How long are the researchers planning to study the effects of these relaxation techniques on children's mental health?

Researchers plan to study the effects of these relaxation techniques on children's mental health over three years.

What is the trend of anxiety among children in the U.S. as mentioned in the script?

A recent survey found a 20 percent jump in American children diagnosed with anxiety over five years.

What positive outcome was observed at Arnold Academy after implementing relaxation techniques?

After just two and a half months of these exercises, Arnold Academy saw an 80 percent drop in reports of misconduct.

What does history teacher Rachel Bradford attribute the reduction in behavior issues to?

Rachel Bradford attributes the reduction in behavior issues partly to the relaxation techniques.

What does 12-year-old Harrison say about the impact of relaxation techniques on his behavior?

Harrison says he doesn't get in trouble like he used to and that the relaxation techniques have helped him a lot.

What is Olivia's usual way of coming down from stress as mentioned in the script?

Olivia's usual way of coming down from stress is to move, so she does dance.

What is the main concern Professor Jessica Dayton has about the effectiveness of these practices?

Professor Jessica Dayton is concerned that people might get very carried away with one particular approach and that it's important to do research to determine if these practices are effective.

What is the ultimate goal of implementing these relaxation techniques in schools according to the script?

The ultimate goal is not just to get children the best grades, but also to help them become the very best versions of themselves.