Lessons in happiness
2006-07-10 12:37
London - Some 2 000 pupils at English state schools are to have special classes in happiness under a pilot scheme aimed at cutting depression, self-harm and anti-social behaviour, according to the Independent on Sunday newspaper.
"Schoolchildren will take self-esteem classes to raise standards and cut crime," it said.
"Lessons in happiness are to be introduced for 11-year-olds in state schools to combat a huge rise in depression, self-harm and anti-social behaviour among young people.
"Special behavioural techniques imported from the US will be used from September next year in an attempt to make children more resilient in the face of the pressures of 21st century living."
It said Professor Martin Seligman of the University of Pennsylvania in the United States had been drafted in to train British teachers in the subject.
Lessons will include role play designed to help children build up self-esteem, challenge negative ways of thinking and express thoughts clearly.
"They will also be shown special breathing exercises to keep them calm when their parents are arguing and avoid blaming themselves for situations that are beyond their control, for example, the fact their parents may be divorcing."
The Department for Education was expected to evaluate the programme, the newspaper said.
"If it proves as successful as it has been in the US, happiness classes could become part of the regular school timetable.
"The move comes as experts warn that record numbers of young people are on the verge of mental breakdown as a result of family break-up, exam pressures and growing inability to cope with the pressures of modern life," the report said.