StC News

Remember to Breathe!

Upper School boys put down their screens, breathe and learn to be mindful.
 
It can be a stressful time to be a young person these days. They face enormous pressure at school, home and even online. With digital tech and social media at their fingertips, excessive screen time adds an entirely new dynamic to mental health issues facing our boys.

Yesterday, the Health and Wellness Team hosted an afternoon program focusing on mindfulness, meditation and mental well-being. Upper School boys heard from Nina Schroeder, a clinician at VCU's Counseling Center, who spoke about the effect that digital technology and social media can have on young people, and Jake McDonald, who led faculty and students through a range of breathing, meditation and stretching exercises. 

Youth are reporting record-setting levels of anxiety and stress, and smartphones and other devices play a role in this phenomenon. By spending too much time aimlessly scrolling through apps and websites, data suggests young people are at risk of damaging their cognitive development, relationships and coping skills. 

“The most important thing for young people to understand is that resilience and well-being are things that have to be cultivated every day,” said Schoeder. “I want them to understand how screen use can be negatively affecting them and for them to make wise decisions.”

When used in moderation, digital tools are useful, and the key to using them safely is to set limits for oneself.  “We aren’t saying throw away the screens, we’re saying be aware of how you live with them,’” said Middle and Upper School Counselor Sazshy Valentine.

Meanwhile, at the Arts Center, another group of Upper School boys was learning about the benefits of mindfulness from Jake McDonald, who led faculty and students through a range of breathing, meditation and stretching exercises. 

As the lacrosse and football coach at Collegiate School, McDonald explained that the benefits of mindfulness were especially useful for athletes. These exercises and habits reduce stress, help regulate emotions and improve attention and memory skills.

Schroeder believes schools can help in addressing students’ mental health habits. “The more messaging we have about this issue at different levels is important,” she said. “Parents and schools really need to partner together on this issue. Students will be more open to the need for change when they receive similar messaging from different channels.”
 
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