8 Important Reasons for Teaching Kindness in Schools...

Most people have heard the phrase ‘random acts of kindness’, which refers to a selfless act of giving resulting in the happiness of another person.

It seems we just can’t get enough of those addictive feel good emotions and with good reason.

 Scientific studies have shown that kindness has a great number of physical and emotional benefits, and that children require a healthy dose of the warm and fuzzies in order to flourish as health, happy, well-rounded individuals.

A great number of benefits have been reported to support the theory of teaching kindness in schools:

1. Happy Children

Science explains that the good feelings we experience when being kind are produced by endorphins that activate areas of the brain that are associated with pleasure, social connection and trust, and it’s proven that these feelings of joyfulness are contagious, encouraging more kind behaviour by the giver and recipient.

2. Increased Peer Acceptance 

Studies show that kind, happy children enjoy greater peer acceptance because they are well-liked.

3. Improved Health and Less Stress 

It’s widely documented that being kind can trigger a release of the hormone oxytocin which has a number of physical and mental health benefits. It can significantly increase a person’s level of happiness and reduce stress.

4. Greater Sense of Belonging and Improved Self Esteem

Small acts of kindness are reported to heighten our sense of wellbeing, increase energy and give a wonderful feeling of optimism and self worth.

5. Increased Feelings of Gratitude

When children are given an opportunity to help others it provides them with a real sense of perspective and helps them appreciate the good things in their own lives.

6. Better Concentration and Improved Results

kindness is a key ingredient that helps children feel good as it increases the serotonin levels..

7. Less Bullying

Teaching kindness and compassion in schools, not only fosters the positive behaviour that creates warm and inclusive school environments, but helps children feel that they belong. It’s documented that the effects of bullying can be significantly reduced by integrating kindness based programs in schools.

8. Reduced Depression

Research has discovered that an act of kindness increases levels of serotonin (a natural chemical responsible for improving mood) in the brain. It’s also found that serotonin levels are increased in both the giver and receiver of an act of kindness, as well as anyone who witnesses that kindness, making it a wonderful natural antidepressant. 

Kindness can be taught, and it is a defining aspect of civilized human life. It belongs in every home, school, neighborhood, and society.”

About the Author:

The Author is Ms. Shweta Dora, PRT English, Meenakshi World School

www.meenakshiworldschool.com