Meditation and mindfulness are not just for adults anymore…

These techniques are increasingly being used in schools to help children manage stress, trauma, and medical challenges. Recent brain imaging research shows that meditation reduces activity in the default mode network (DMN), which is linked to negative self-directed thoughts and mental health issues like depression. This network is especially overactive in children who experience trauma or chronic stress.  Specifically focusing on the breath or practicing mindful acceptance, was found to be more effective than simple distraction techniques like counting backward in calming the brain.

Meditation offers a significant advantage over distraction methods because it doesn't rely on the prefrontal cortex, which is underdeveloped in children. This makes meditation a more accessible and effective tool for emotional regulation in younger individuals. Meditation techniques have already shown success in helping children with chronic illnesses like cancer manage pain and stress, as well as helping students cope with COVID-19-related anxiety. 

While distraction techniques often depend on cognitive development, meditation may work by engaging brain regions that are more accessible for younger brains. Research on how meditation affects children’s mental health and brain development is still in its early stages, but the initial results are promising.

Ultimately, meditation offers a powerful, low-cost tool for improving children's mental health, particularly for those facing medical trauma or difficult diagnoses.  Meditation may become a vital part of therapeutic practices for children in healthcare settings, offering a holistic way to manage stress, pain, and emotional well-being.