Lion’s Roar

Does Mindfulness Help Kids? There’s A Better Question to Ask

Recent large‑scale school studies in the UK and Denmark found that ten weekly mindfulness sessions delivered by teachers produced little measurable improvement in adolescents’ mental health, sparking doubts about the efficacy of universal programs. The author argues that these findings reflect implementation constraints—such as limited facilitator experience and program dilution—rather than a definitive verdict on mindfulness for children. Earlier smaller trials and anecdotal evidence suggest that when seasoned practitioners guide mindful activities, children show better attention, calmness, and prosocial behavior. The piece calls for more nuanced research that isolates effective elements rather than judging the entire approach.