--- title: Success story of meditation in schools description: Read a first hand account of the benefits discovered by introducing meditation in schools. How can your school use mindfulness and meditation to increase academic outcomes? Find out how here. image: https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/bible-book-brown-1848731-1.jpg --- [Back to smilingmind.com.au](https://www.smilingmind.com.au/) [![](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/SM_BlogLogo_black.svg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au) [Login/Sign up](https://app.smilingmind.com.au/?_ga=2.99144346.505229074.1559522319-1047861382.1534989894) - Mindfulness - [Meditation](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/meditation) - [Informal mindfulness](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/informal-mindfulness) - [Mindful eating](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/mindful-eating) - [Self care](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/self-care) - [Tips & Tricks](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/tips-tricks) - At Home - [Children](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/children) - [Parents](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/parents) - [Family](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/family) - In Schools - [Students](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/students) - [Teachers](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/teachers) - [Schools](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/schools) - At Work - [Workplace](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/workplace) - [Business](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/business) - Mental Health - [Anxiety](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/anxiety) - [COVID19](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/covid19) - [Mental Health](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/mental-health) - [News](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/media-release) [Parents](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/parents), [Teachers](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/teachers), [Schools](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/schools), [Meditation](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/meditation) 2 minute read # Success story of meditation in schools ![Smiling Mind](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/SmilingMind_Icon_RGB_Purple-Background.png) by [Smiling Mind](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/author/smiling-mind) ![bible-book-brown-1848731-1](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/bible-book-brown-1848731-1.jpg) November 30, 2016 In this article Canterbury College Guidance Counsellor Michelle Sams provides her first hand account of the success she found after introducing meditation in schools.  \*\*\* ## Questions on meditation in schools What are the benefits of using mindfulness and meditation to increase academic outcomes? What evidence do we have that being ‘still’ or living in the present moment is actually a preventative mental health strategy? What specific technology is available to help students meditate and build wellbeing in school settings? Canterbury College contemplated these questions, researched the many and varied meditation programs on offer, and then discovered **Smiling Mind.** ![thumb_img_7554_1024](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/thumb_img_7554_1024.jpg?width=730&name=thumb_img_7554_1024.jpg) ## Introducing meditation in schools Over four years ago, as Guidance Counsellor I began using the Smiling Mind web based meditation tools with individual students. The outcomes were so consistently positive that Mrs Donna Anderson (Head of College) decided to implement meditation in school across the entire college. In 2015, we hosted a series of Smiling Mind training workshops for students, staff and parents led by Mrs Kay Watts – Research and Education Project Manager from the organisation. Mrs Kay Watts and myself ran a number of meditation and mindfulness in schools workshops for students with great responses and feedback being received from children in years 3 to 6, and young people in years 7 -12. Kay trained all academic staff at Canterbury over two twilight sessions and our school has continued to use the Smiling Mind Mindfulness Education, Individual meditations, and Sport Programs across the entire college (K-12). We implemented meditations via whole year-level workshops, assemblies, pastoral care classes, junior classes, and rugby training sessions. > Recognising the current statistics and dealing with increasing numbers of students experiencing significant stress and mental health problems made finding a well-researched and technologically friendly meditation program essential. ## Digital tools to support accessibility of mindfulness in schools Smiling Mind utilises technology as a fundamental means to *attract* young people to the concept of wellbeing, and understands that web and app based programs are two of the *most utilised methods* for sharing information in children and young people. The Smiling Mind program is easy to access and use, and is free, so *everyone* can gain benefit from its guided mediations. Canterbury College is continuing to enjoy its journey through Smiling Mind’s Education, Individual and Sport Programs, seeing and experiencing the diverse range of meditations available as well as perusing the comprehensive manuals, downloadable MP3’s and videos. The meditation in schools program is so adaptable that *any* staff member, student or parent can use it. Many students and staff members have already downloaded the new app and accessed the new Smiling Mind website to support their mindfulness journey at school. > There is much research and media attention outlining the effectiveness for children and adults participating in regular mindful meditation including reductions in stress, better mental health, greater wellbeing, increased kindness, increased cognitive performance and enhanced job performance. Canterbury College is dedicated to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of its staff and students. We will continue to join Smiling Mind with the ultimate aim of enhancing mindfulness in schools to bring about positive mind states such as calm, acceptance, clarity, compassion and happiness in all members of our college community. Smiling Mind have developed easy-to-follow curriculums for every school age including exactly how to implement mindfulness in any school whilst embedding a mindful culture amongst students. Smiling Mind is a 100% not-for-profit organisation that works to make lifelong mental fitness accessible to all. Our Primary School Program is co-designed with psychologists and educators to build social and emotional learning and mental fitness across the whole school community, with curriculum-aligned lessons and tailored training for educators. [![PRIMARY SCHOOL PROGRAM](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/4687378/interactive-194301854614.png)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLKBWXnTH1nnhlqv61BxdD7T9hLs2i%2FkYEawobsjulaYvIcHRbRGNL7FZx0b1tXiXaoF213vJ8XhQVdICvSNDh7%2FVW85k7UoCB%2BJ6igu2ohPDky6gvi%2FA7j6n6pwGa3wACSk%2B%2BoiPd7lQu20rqvloxzfu8Iy3cIvJm9qhR9cjPAGKYWTXy9NVrt734Yk%2FQk%2F3faXGoWzJz1tfbM%3D&webInteractiveContentId=194301854614&portalId=4687378) ![Smiling Mind](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/SmilingMind_Icon_RGB_Purple-Background.png) ### Written by [Smiling Mind](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/author/smiling-mind) ### SIMILAR POSTS [![how mindful meditation changed my kids life](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/how%20mindful%20meditation%20changed%20my%20kids%20life.jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/mindfulness-meditations-changed-kids-lives) #### [How mindfulness meditations changed my kids lives](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/mindfulness-meditations-changed-kids-lives) [Children](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/children), [Family](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/family), [Parents](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/parents), [Meditation](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/meditation), [Anxiety](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/anxiety) 4 minute read [![workplace](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/workplace.jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/3-free-guided-meditations-at-work) #### [3 guided meditations to boost morale at work on a Monday](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/3-free-guided-meditations-at-work) [Workplace](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/workplace), [Business](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/business), [Meditation](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/meditation) 1 minute read [![](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/image-from-rawpixel-id-560907-jpeg.jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/why-you-should-continue-your-meditation-routine) #### [Why you should continue your meditation routine in 2021](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/why-you-should-continue-your-meditation-routine) [Tips & Tricks](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/tips-tricks), [Mental Health](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/mental-health), [Meditation](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/meditation), [Self care](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/self-care) 3 minute read [![image-from-rawpixel-id-49404-original-2](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/image-from-rawpixel-id-49404-original-2.jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/debunking-myths-around-meditation) #### [Debunking myths around meditation](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/debunking-myths-around-meditation) [Mindfulness](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/mindfulness) 3 minute read [![What is the Mental Load? Signs you’re carrying too much, and what to do about it](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/iStock-1319763211.jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/what-is-the-mental-load-signs-youre-carrying-too-much-and-what-to-do-about-it) Family, Parents, Self care, Mindfulness, Mental Fitness 10 minute read ### [What is the Mental Load? Signs you’re carrying too much, and what to do about it](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/what-is-the-mental-load-signs-youre-carrying-too-much-and-what-to-do-about-it) by Smiling Mind ## Latest [![What is the Mental Load? Signs you’re carrying too much, and what to do about it](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/iStock-1319763211.jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/what-is-the-mental-load-signs-youre-carrying-too-much-and-what-to-do-about-it) ### [What is the Mental Load? Signs you’re carrying too much, and what to do about it](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/what-is-the-mental-load-signs-youre-carrying-too-much-and-what-to-do-about-it) If you’re a parent or caregiver, you probably know the feeling: your brain feels full of tasks that somehow keep multipl... Family, Parents, Self care, Mindfulness, Mental Fitness 10 minute read [![The Wellbeing Shifts I Hope to See in 2026](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/iStock-1498908506.jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/five-wellbeing-trends-to-watch-in-2026) ### [The Wellbeing Shifts I Hope to See in 2026](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/five-wellbeing-trends-to-watch-in-2026) We’ve made real progress in reducing stigma around mental health. But too often, we still wait until something is broken... Family, Schools, Mental Fitness 5 minute read [![Raising mentally fit kids in a digital world](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/iStock-1368247217.jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/raising-mentally-fit-kids-in-a-digital-world) ### [Raising mentally fit kids in a digital world](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/raising-mentally-fit-kids-in-a-digital-world) Practical tips to support children’s mental wellbeing and build better screen habits, without the daily battles. Tips & Tricks, Children, Family, Parents, Mental Fitness 10 minute read [![How to tell if it's stress or anxiety, and what to do about it](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/iStock-1135957638.jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/overwhelmed-and-on-a-deadline-how-to-tell-if-its-stress-or-anxiety-and-what-to-do-about-it) ### [How to tell if it's stress or anxiety, and what to do about it](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/overwhelmed-and-on-a-deadline-how-to-tell-if-its-stress-or-anxiety-and-what-to-do-about-it) You're staring at a long to-do list, the clock is ticking, and suddenly you can’t remember your email password. Is this ... Mindfulness 7 minute read [View more](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/all) ## At home [![Raising mentally fit kids in a digital world](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/iStock-1368247217.jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/raising-mentally-fit-kids-in-a-digital-world) ### [Raising mentally fit kids in a digital world](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/raising-mentally-fit-kids-in-a-digital-world) Practical tips to support children’s mental wellbeing and build better screen habits, without the daily battles. Tips & Tricks, Children, Family, Parents, Mental Fitness 10 minute read [![How can we better support caregivers and the children in their care?](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/iStock-1307370020.jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/how-can-we-better-support-caregivers-and-the-children-in-their-care) ### [How can we better support caregivers and the children in their care?](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/how-can-we-better-support-caregivers-and-the-children-in-their-care) Each year Smiling Mind checks in on the wellbeing of Australians through our State of Mind survey. The 2024 report focus... Children, Family, Parents, Mental Fitness 7 minute read [![Empowering Generations: A Bold Partnership to Transform Mental Health for Australia’s Women and Girls](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/Collection%20Resilient%20Families%20Parents%20.jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/empowering-generations-a-bold-partnership-to-transform-mental-health-for-australias-women-and-girls) ### [Empowering Generations: A Bold Partnership to Transform Mental Health for Australia’s Women and Girls](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/empowering-generations-a-bold-partnership-to-transform-mental-health-for-australias-women-and-girls) Creating generational change in mental health for Australia’s young girls and women is the driving force behind a new 3-... Children, Family, Parents, Mental Fitness 3 minute read [View more](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/children) ## At Work [![The Small Business Owner’s Survival Guide: Prioritising Mental Health in 2025](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/iStock-2154297863.jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/the-small-business-owners-survival-guide-prioritising-mental-health-in-2025) ### [The Small Business Owner’s Survival Guide: Prioritising Mental Health in 2025](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/the-small-business-owners-survival-guide-prioritising-mental-health-in-2025) Running a small business can be challenging—you're the strategist, the problem-solver, the cheerleader, and everything i... Workplace, Tips & Tricks, Business, Self care, Mental Fitness 11 minute read [![Navigating Peak Season Stress with Business Mental Fitness](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/iStock-2160502739.jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/navigating-peak-season-stress-with-business-mental-fitness) ### [Navigating Peak Season Stress with Business Mental Fitness](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/navigating-peak-season-stress-with-business-mental-fitness) Running a business is no easy feat, and the current economic uncertainty adds another layer of complexity. To support bu... Workplace, Business, Mental Fitness 5 minute read [![Mental Health in the Workplace: Why it Matters, with Mental Fitness Tips for SMEs](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/iStock-1317277259%20(1).jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/mental-health-in-the-workplace-why-it-matters-with-mental-fitness-tips-for-smes) ### [Mental Health in the Workplace: Why it Matters, with Mental Fitness Tips for SMEs](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/mental-health-in-the-workplace-why-it-matters-with-mental-fitness-tips-for-smes) Did you know that one in three small and medium sized business owners identify mental health as their top concern? It's ... Workplace, Business, Meditation 14 minute read [View more](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/workplace) ## At school [![The Wellbeing Shifts I Hope to See in 2026](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/iStock-1498908506.jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/five-wellbeing-trends-to-watch-in-2026) ### [The Wellbeing Shifts I Hope to See in 2026](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/five-wellbeing-trends-to-watch-in-2026) We’ve made real progress in reducing stigma around mental health. But too often, we still wait until something is broken... Family, Schools, Mental Fitness 5 minute read [![How to Encourage Friendships in the Classroom: A Guide for Teachers](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/iStock-907283180.jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/how-to-encourage-friendships-in-the-classroom-a-guide-for-teachers) ### [How to Encourage Friendships in the Classroom: A Guide for Teachers](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/how-to-encourage-friendships-in-the-classroom-a-guide-for-teachers) Healthy friendships are fundamental to a child’s emotional and social learning in school, but they don't always come eas... Tips & Tricks, Teachers, Students, Schools 9 minute read [![Why a ‘Blended’ Approach to Social and Emotional Learning in Schools Can Create Greater Impact](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/Schools%20program%20impact%20article.png)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/impact-of-a-blended-approach-to-social-and-emotional-learning) ### [Why a ‘Blended’ Approach to Social and Emotional Learning in Schools Can Create Greater Impact](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/impact-of-a-blended-approach-to-social-and-emotional-learning) Schools, and the educators that work within them, are in a unique and influential position. They have the ability to cre... Children, Schools 18 minute read [View more](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/schools) ## News [![](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/youth%20social%20media%20ban.png)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/youth-social-media-ban) ### ["A social media band-aid won’t stick": Smiling Mind's take on Australia's Proposed Under 16 Social Media Ban](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/youth-social-media-ban) The ban to prevent Australian children under 16 from accessing social media is filled with great intentions. However exp... Parents, Mental Health, Media release, Mental Fitness 4 minute read [![Children’s mental health the losers of this year’s budget](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/childrens%20mental%20health.png)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/childrens-mental-health-the-losers-of-this-years-budget) ### [Children’s mental health the losers of this year’s budget](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/childrens-mental-health-the-losers-of-this-years-budget) The 2025 Federal Budget has failed our children, according to Australia’s leading children’s mental health not-for-profi... Mental Health, Media release 3 minute read [![Don’t forget Our Kids this budget, Prime Minister](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/210506_SmilingMind_WaitaraPrimary_PaulMcMillan-014_Edit.jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/dont-forget-our-kids-this-budget-prime-minister) ### [Don’t forget Our Kids this budget, Prime Minister](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/dont-forget-our-kids-this-budget-prime-minister) Tomorrow’s budget announcement will be an important reflection of what we care about as a nation. There’s an opportunity... Children, Family, Mental Health, Media release 3 minute read [View more](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/media-release) © 2026 Smiling Mind - [Privacy & Terms](https://www.smilingmind.com.au/privacy-and-terms) We recognise and pay respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, their ancestors, the Elders past, present and future from the different First Nations across this country. We acknowledge the importance of connection to land, culture, spirituality, ancestry, family and community for the wellbeing of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and their families. ### Info - [Home](https://www.smilingmind.com.au/) - [Mindfulness](https://www.smilingmind.com.au/what-is-mindfulness) - [Education](https://www.smilingmind.com.au/education) - [Workplace](https://www.smilingmind.com.au/mindfulness-workplace) - [Our free app](https://www.smilingmind.com.au/smiling-mind-app) - [Blog](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/) - [FAQs](https://www.smilingmind.com.au/contact-us#our-faq) ### About - [About us](https://www.smilingmind.com.au/about-us) - [Our Team](https://www.smilingmind.com.au/about-us#anchor-our-team) - [Our Board](https://www.smilingmind.com.au/about-us#anchor-our-board) ### Action - [Contact](https://www.smilingmind.com.au/contact-us) - [Donate](https://shoutforgood.com/embed/lightbox?version=latest&client_token=dc092e09-150a-4a06-93de-14a387bffccc&custom_css=https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/smgeneral/media/shout-donate-form.css&uid=d375e26da7&logLevel=error&xcomponent=1) - [give](https://www.smilingmind.com.au/support-us) - [shop](https://smilingmind.org.au/) - - - -