Schools in the US Are Taking Meditation Breaks, and Teachers Say It Helps Students’ Mental Health

As the challenges of modern education continue to evolve, schools across the United States are increasingly adopting meditation and mindfulness practices to support students’ mental health. These practices, once considered unconventional in educational settings, are now being embraced as essential tools to help students manage stress, improve focus, and enhance overall well-being.

The Growing Trend of Meditation in Schools

Schools in various states have started to integrate meditation breaks into the daily routine, recognizing the significant mental health benefits for students. At Roberta T. Smith Elementary School in Georgia, for example, students regularly engage in mindfulness exercises like the “shark fin” meditation, which involves tracing their thumbs from their foreheads to their hearts while focusing on their breath.¹ This simple yet powerful practice helps students transition from high-energy activities to a state of calm and readiness for learning.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has endorsed the use of mindfulness practices in schools, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has exacerbated mental health issues among students. The CDC reports that over a third of students experience persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness, highlighting the urgent need for mental health interventions in schools.

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Benefits of Meditation for Students’ Mental Health

Research has shown that school-based mindfulness programs can be particularly beneficial in low-income communities, where students often face higher levels of stress and trauma. The practice of mindfulness allows students to develop coping skills that help them manage their emotions and reduce anxiety. This is crucial in schools like Smith Elementary, where a large percentage of students are from communities of color and may have less access to mental health resources.

Teachers and administrators at schools using these programs have observed noticeable improvements in their students’ behavior and emotional regulation. For instance, students like Aniyah Woods, 9, have expressed that the mindfulness program helps them “calm down” and “not stress anymore”. Another student, Malachi Smith, 9, has even started using meditation techniques at home, demonstrating the program’s positive impact beyond the classroom.

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Addressing Mental Health Disparities

The introduction of meditation and mindfulness in schools is also a step towards addressing mental health disparities, particularly among students of color. Statistics show that Black youth have the fastest-growing suicide rate among racial groups, with the rate increasing by 144% between 2007 and 2020. Despite these alarming figures, there is a significant shortage of psychologists and mental health professionals of color who can provide culturally relevant support to these students.

By incorporating mindfulness practices into the school day, educators hope to provide students with tools to manage their mental health proactively. This is especially important in schools serving predominantly students of color, where access to mental health services is often limited.

The Role of Teachers and Administrators

Teachers play a critical role in the success of these programs. At Smith Elementary, for example, teacher Kim Franklin uses the Inner Explorer program to guide her students through daily meditation sessions. These sessions, which last five to ten minutes, involve breathing exercises, meditation, and reflection. The goal is to help students develop emotional resilience and a sense of inner peace that they can carry with them throughout the day.

Administrators also recognize the importance of being inclusive and culturally sensitive in their approach to student mental health. Tolana Griggs, the assistant principal at Smith Elementary, emphasizes the need to be aware of how different cultures respond to stress and mental health challenges. By fostering an environment of inclusivity and understanding, schools can better support the diverse needs of their students.

Conclusion

The integration of meditation and mindfulness practices in U.S. schools is more than just a trend; it is a necessary response to the growing mental health challenges faced by students today. By providing students with the tools to manage their emotions and reduce stress, these programs are helping to create a more supportive and conducive learning environment. As more schools adopt these practices, the hope is that students across the country will experience improved mental health and well-being, paving the way for a brighter future.

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