Mindfulness is a psychological technique which is said to help combat stress. But should it be widely introduced in schools?
The practice of mindfulness – which draws on Buddhist thinking – has become increasingly popular in recent years. There have been calls for brain-training techniques, using breathing to achieve mental clarity, to be introduced in schools.
In October, the Mindfulness All-Party Parliamentary Group said the practice should be made more widely available and recommended the Department for Education designate three schools to “pioneer mindfulness teaching and disseminate best practice”.
Political author, former head of Wellington College and vice-chancellor of Buckingham University Sir Anthony Seldon has called for daily “stillness sessions” in schools, saying a decline in traditional religious assemblies has left pupils with little space for reflection in the school day.