Research reveals children who practice mindfulness are more resilient in the classroom

Students as young as six are meditating and doing breathing exercises in class in a bid to dramatically improve student mental health.

St. John Bosco's Primary School teaches kids mindfulness using Smiling Mind’s resources to boost their mental health. Picture: Jason Edwards

Practising mindfulness in primary school is the key to building more resilient and focused kids, new research has found.

Students as young as six are meditating and doing breathing exercises in class right across the country thanks to wellbeing education group Smiling Mind.

The not-for-profit organisation’s primary school program is teaching students mindfulness techniques in a bid to boost children and teachers’ mental health knowledge, with 50 per cent of mental illnesses starting before age 14.

The program was recently at the centre of an Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) study, which found children who practised mindfulness were more likely to thrive at school and in life.

Joshua, Andy, Mikaela, Sienna, and Gigi practice mindfulness at St. John Bosco's Primary School. Picture: Jason Edwards

Smiling Mind Chief Executive Sarah LaRoche said the foundations for good mental health start in childhood, which is why it’s crucial kids are empowered with skills to understand their emotions and build positive relationships.

“Building mental fitness skills like mindfulness not only helps kids concentrate better in class, but also gives them tools to manage stress, build emotional resilience, and stay calm when faced with distractions,” she said.

An ACER survey conducted by more than 2600 teachers and almost 9000 students in grades three to six found mindfulness boosted school culture.

One in three students who participated in the program said they were more focused in the classroom, while 24 per cent said playtime was more enjoyable.

Meanwhile, one in five children reported they were less worried about their school work and 16 per cent said they found it easier to solve friendship problems.

Nearly all teachers reported they were satisfied with the program, with nine in ten saying it had created more positive learning environments, developed their social and emotional skills and created greater engagement in the classroom.

“Kids are facing unprecedented mental health challenges, and schools are on the frontline of this crisis,” Ms LaRoche said.

“Together we can empower and support kids of today and tomorrow to live happy, healthy lives.”

Practising mindfulness in primary school is the key to building more resilient and focused kids, new research has found. Picture: Jason Edwards

St. John Bosco’s Primary School in Niddrie is one of 235 Victorian schools who have implemented Smiling Mind’s resources, with Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader Naomi Scott saying students are more positive and calm in the classroom.

“We have noticed students have been more positive towards transitions from play time back into the classroom with the regular mindfulness sessions,” she said.

Ms Scott said the program’s resources aligned with the school’s curriculum, were easy for teachers to use and were engaging for younger students.

“The Smiling Mind program (has given teachers the) confidence and knowledge to implement activities and strategies which help children’s mental health,” she said.

“A huge area of stress for teachers comes from the extreme care they have for their students – we care for them like they are our own children – therefore anything which helps our students’ wellbeing also helps ours as teachers.”