But some school departments are recognizing that those punishments don’t necessarily change students’ behavior in the long run. Instead, the key to better behavior isn’t about punishment at all. Several school departments in Baltimore, Maryland replaced traditional discipline with meditation programs. Rather than being sent to the principal’s office for misbehavior, children are taught to practice mindfulness skills. And the results have been remarkable.
What Happened When Patterson High School Introduced Meditation
Patterson High School, a public high school in Baltimore, began the Mindful Moment program in the 2013-2014 school year. When compared to the 2012-2013 school year, the school saw these improvements:
Suspensions for fighting dropped from 49 to 23Suspensions resulting from verbal altercations in the classroom were reduced from 36 to 17The attendance rate increased from 71.3 to 74.2 percentThe number of ninth-graders being promoted to the tenth grade increased from 45 to 64 percentThe average GPA of first-time ninth-graders increased from 1.06 to 1.51
Mindfulness programs have been implemented in other schools as well. And across the board, administrations report similar results—reduced behavior problems and increased academic engagement.
The Mindful Moment Program
The Holistic Life Foundation is the organization behind the Mindful Moment Program. The program includes a 15-minute recording that plays every morning and every afternoon for students. Students are guided through breathing techniques and meditation exercises. Teachers rotate through the classrooms to model how to practice the exercises. The program also includes the Mindful Moment Room—a calm retreat that is available to students all day. Some students recognize when they need a break and request to go to the Mindful Moment Room to calm down on their own. At other times, distressed or disruptive students are sent to the Mindful Moment Room by a teacher. The goal is to teach students to practice using their mindfulness skills when they’re having a tough time. Once in the Mindful Moment Room, an instructor greets each student. They hold a five minute targeted discussion. Then, they engage in 15 minutes of mindfulness practice, which may include breathing exercises or yoga. In addition, teachers are taught how to check in with students for emotional issues throughout the day. They also learn how to integrate mindfulness practice into a student’s day. The Mindful Moment has been used with students of all ages. Some schools incorporate other strategies as well, such as regular yoga classes and other stress reduction curriculum.
Why Mindfulness Works
A 2010 study published in the Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology found that mindfulness-based approaches reduce problematic responses to stress. Students who learned mindfulness skills were less likely to ruminate. They experienced fewer intrusive thoughts and lower emotional arousal. Researchers found that a 12-week program was effective in reducing many of the behavior problems students previously exhibited. Mindfulness programs can be especially effective with students living in underserved, urban communities. These students are often exposed to stressful life experiences that make academics more challenging. Mindfulness can teach the life skills students won’t learn in a traditional classroom. Mental strength, character, and long-term fulfillment in life, however, could be the key to helping students reach their greatest potential. Mindfulness is about learning how to pay attention to thoughts and feelings without judgment. So rather than think, “I shouldn’t be so angry right now,” a student can learn it’s OK to be upset but it’s not OK to hit someone. Mindfulness also involves becoming aware of what is happening right now, rather than rehashing the past or worrying about the future. Instead of punishing kids for losing their tempers or sending them home early for disrupting class, kids are taught to become aware of their emotions. When they recognize they’re feeling sad or angry, they can use healthy coping strategies to deal with their uncomfortable emotions. So while traditional school policies might say, “We’re sending you home because you can’t control yourself,” meditation programs send a message that says, “We’re going to teach you how to control yourself better.”
Other Mindfulness Programs in Schools
The Mindful Moment Program isn’t the first mindfulness program to be launched in schools. In fact, the UK began delivering mindfulness lesson plans in schools in 2007. Two major companies in the United States that offer mindfulness training include MindUP and Mindful Schools. MindUP reports that 83 percent of students have improvements in pro-social behaviors as a result of their program. Parents can purchase an at-home program for children who may not be receiving mindfulness practice at school. Mindful Schools offers training to educators. They provide courses that teach mindfulness skills that can be carried back to the school setting.
Benefits of Mindfulness Extend into Adulthood
The research on how mindfulness benefits children continues to emerge and most of it looks very promising. Studies show mindfulness benefits adults in several ways:
Increased Relationship Satisfaction
Couples who practice mindfulness report less conflict and better communication.
Better Physical Health
Mindfulness has been found to boost immunity, lower blood pressure, and reduce pain.
Decreased Emotional Reactivity
Mindfulness can decrease the intensity of negative emotions, which can help people live calmer, more peaceful lives.
Improved Focus
Mindfulness improves concentration and attention, which can be especially helpful in today’s world where electronics are constantly vying for everyone’s attention.
Better Psychological Health
Mindfulness combats stress and improves psychological health. Adults who practice mindfulness are at lower risk of many mental health problems. After all, even if a child does well academically or obtains a college degree, he may struggle to succeed in life if he can’t control his temper. And no matter how well a child performs on academic tests, she’ll have a hard time in life if she gets so stressed out she can’t think straight.
Teach Your Child Mindfulness at Home
If your child’s school hasn’t adopted a mindfulness program—and most of them haven’t—you can teach mindfulness skills at home. There are many apps, books, and programs available to help kids learn mindfulness. Of course, it’s important for you to develop your own mindfulness practice. Not only will it reduce your stress, but you’ll also be a great role model for your child and you’ll be equipped to coach him when he needs help practicing his skills. You can also talk to your child’s school about implementing a mindfulness program. Show the administration the research and talk about the benefits, and they might be willing to adopt a program or pay for teachers to gain training.
A Word From Verywell
Education goes beyond teaching academics and ensuring good behavior. Childhood and adolescence are also a time to teach kids about emotional regulation, self-control, flexibility, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills. It’s important for schools to help children develop tools to handle challenging situations in all aspects of their lives, from academics and test-taking to handling stress and dealing with conflict. School suspensions and punishments tend to add stress to the home and academic environment, whereas mindfulness meditation helps kids learn how to handle the stressors they face both in school and in life.
