I argued here that plans to give schoolchildren classes in 'happiness' were anti-educational. Now it turns out they don't even work. According to the Sunday Times:
Classes in happiness and emotional wellbeing, intended to tackle ill-discipline and improve social skills, may instead leave children depressed and self-obsessed, according to a new report.
The research, which draws on the findings of more than 20 international academic studies, describes the government programme in secondary schools as a 'large-scale psychological experiment'.
It finds little evidence that the classes, which encourage children to express feelings openly and empathise with others, lead to any long-term improvement in emotional wellbeing or academic success.
Carol Craig, the psychologist who led the research, concludes: 'A focus on the self can create an obsession with how you feel and can lead in some kids to depression'. Now there's a surprise.
Let's hope the report gives Ed Balls pause for thought and stems the tide of initiatives that risk replacing education with feel-good therapy.
(via Norm)
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