Hundreds of children are taking part in one of the largest trials in the world to boost the evidence about what works to support mental health and wellbeing.
Children and young people at up to 370 schools in England will take part in a series of trials of different approaches such as mindfulness exercises, relaxation techniques and breathing exercises to help them regulate their emotions, alongside pupil sessions with mental health experts.
The study will run until 2021 across nine areas and will also see new high-quality mental health assessments trialled for young people entering care in these areas.
Education secretary Damian Hinds said: ‘To support this, we’re introducing compulsory health education in all schools, within which children will start to be introduced gradually to issues around mental health, wellbeing and happiness right from the start of primary school.’
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