Guidance Counsellor Corner
In this edition of School TV – Mindfulness
Recent studies have shown that one in seven primary school children have significant mental health disorders. Every year, in the last five years, that number has increased. Mindfulness is a practice that helps us focus on the present moment and be more aware of our thoughts, feelings and surroundings. It’s a tool that can help children and adolescents develop resilience, manage stress and anxiety, and improve their overall wellbeing.
Mindfulness is not about having a clear or quiet mind, but rather it’s about paying attention to what is happening in the present moment, with an open and non-judgemental attitude. By practicing mindfulness regularly, young people can learn to be more in touch with their thoughts, feelings and emotions and respond to them in a healthy and balanced way. It is not a replacement for therapy or medication for mental health issues, but will hopefully reduce the need for it later on.
Research has proven that mindfulness has endless benefits for children. This school taught activity is on the rise, and many experts are wanting it to be a compulsory component of the national curriculum. Not only does mindfulness calm a child’s mind, but it has also been proven to reduce disruptive and bullying behaviour in schools.
We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this edition of School TV and we always welcome your feedback. If you have any concerns about your child, please contact the school counsellor for further information or seek medical or professional help.
Here is the link to the Screen Time edition of School TV