Headspace Launches the Back to School Collection to Support Parents and Kids as They Enter a New, Post-Pandemic Academic Year

As we approach a new academic year and there is continued nervousness around being back in the classroom, Headspace has created new in-app guided meditations, for both parents and their children, to help the nation ease back to school anxiety. New users to Headspace will be able to take advantage of a special 40% off offer on annual subscriptions, redeemable from Headspace.com until 17th September. 

This week Headspace launches its latest series of singles and courses to help school-aged children build healthy, mindful habits. The Back to School collection also aims to support adults too, with dedicated content for parents and teachers to help them prioritise their own self-care. 

The launch of the collection comes at a crucial time. NHS data * reveals a 68% increase in child mental health service referrals between March 2019 and March 2021. In addition, NSPCC helplines reported a 44% rise in calls it received on parental mental health during the pandemic **, whilst 79% of teachers feel their job has adversely affected their mental health in the past 12 months, with uncertainty over safety driving up levels of anxiety and stress.***

Headspace is proven to reduce anxiety, stress and burnout, whilst increasing focus, positivity and mental wellness. Considering this, the Back to School collection caters for a number of emotions and situations. 

• Content for Kids
  • Heading to School - check in with how you feel and set an intention for your day on your way to school
  • Smooth Start - get ready for a good day with this easy morning mindfulness exercise
• For Parents
  • Moments Away from Kids - time away from kids can sometimes lead to a busy mind. Settle your thoughts with a quick check-in and enjoy a moment of stillness while the kids are at school
  • Letting Go of Stress - helping parents develop an awareness of stress and learn how to reframe negative emotions
• For Teachers 
  • Emotions at School - Dr. Marc Brackett, a psychologist and director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, explains the importance of giving kids permission to express their emotions at school
  • In Between Classes - Give yourself the same attention you give your students by setting intentions and appreciating your effort

Samantha Snowden, a Headspace mindfulness teacher says, “from primary to secondary school, public to private, those in education have had to navigate the usual academic pressures alongside the shifts the new normal has caused. The future of the classroom is still uncertain with the fear of more lockdowns, homeschooling and isolation, it’s important to consider mental wellbeing.  This new collection includes noting techniques that will get children ready to get back in the classroom. Importantly, there’s great content for parents and teachers who may be overlooked as school returns”. 

The Back to School collection can be found on the explore page within the Headspace app. The collection forms part of Headspace’s ongoing mission to support kids mental wellbeing and development - it joins Headspace for Kids and the apps partnership withSesame Street. 

* Mental Health Services Monthly Statistics Final March, Provisional April 2021

** NSPCC

*** NASUWT-The Teachers’ Union

Cover photo By Rohappy on Canva