The 'How to be Happy' classes coming to a school near you

[Antaletriangle]

The 'How to be Happy' classes coming to a school near you

By Liz Hull
Last updated at 7:37 AM on 08th September 2008


Comments (32) Add to My Stories

Children are to have happiness lessons to prevent them becoming depressed.

More than 20 schools are already teaching the classes, which are supposed to help banish negative thoughts.

And psychologists will meet ministers this week with a view to launching the scheme nationwide.


Smiles: Children are being encouraged to think positively to avoid depression in the new classes, being piloted in 20 schools


The Penn Resiliency Programme is the brainchild of Professor Martin Seligman, a U.S. expert in positive psychology.

In the lessons, 11-year-olds are taught how to cope with difficult situations and emotions and to develop positive attitudes, assertiveness, aspirations and a better approach to decision making.

They are encouraged not to think or react like Chicken Little, the hen in the fable who wrongly feared the sky was falling in.

It is hoped that the classes will equip youngsters better to cope with the challenges of adulthood.

Those in favour of the U.S. programme say it has been shown significantly to reduce rates of anxiety and depression in the young.

But critics believe the classes sound much like common sense and are a waste of timetable space.

Professor Seligman, of the University of Pennsylvania, said the pilot, which involves schools in South Tyneside, Hertfordshire and Manchester, is the largest in the world.

'Much of what is currently taught in this area is based on sentiment - it just seems like a good idea. Depression leads to low productivity and poor physical health. Multiply that by a lot of people, and that affects a whole country.'



More...
Schoolchildren at risk from toxic chemical dust on whiteboards, scientists warn



Deborah Wilson, who teaches the programme at Epinay School, Jarrow, South Tyneside, says two thirds of her Year Seven pupils have benefited.'We've got a culture of pessimism. A lot of the problems today are because a lot of parents are like overgrown children.

'What I'm teaching is what the wise man of the community might be doing.'

The scheme will be outlined at the Government-supported Conference On Wellbeing tomorrow.


http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/arti...-near-you.html

[lock'N'load]

For those of you who are well past school heres a little food for thought.

"Be positive, truthfull and always helping others."

If you can be that statement you will know true happiness, its really that simeple

[Antaletriangle]

True-be truthful always meaning sometimes self sacrifice is the way.

[21sept]

How can one be critical of common sense, and how can it be a waste of time, to encourage it in our youngsters, I have seen very little of it recently as it has become a rare commodity, if it has to be re-taught, so be it. Cheap at half the price

As for BEING happy that is illusive a bit like good weather at Wimbledon in the UK, I will settle for being not UNhappy. Although it should be the birthright of EVERY CHILD to be happy. (and maybe that would naturally lead to the adults also becoming more positive, lots of thought provoking stuff there!)