Mindfulness interventions for teens decrease mindfulness, study finds

Perceptions of Mindfulness for Teens

• Several commenters argue that generic “mindfulness lessons” may not fit adolescents well, especially if done as superficial curricula.
• Some see value in teaching emotional awareness, but caution that adolescent brains, especially emotional systems, are still developing, limiting expectations.
• Others stress that traditional mindfulness is deeper than Western, “cargo-cult” versions that strip it from its Buddhist/Hindu context.

Age, Development, and Physical Activity

• Debate on whether the “kids just need to burn energy” framing applies to 14‑year‑olds; some say that’s more true for much younger children.
• Multiple comments suggest physical activity (sports, walking, outdoor play) may be more effective for well‑being than short classroom mindfulness blocks.
• There’s support for the traditional pairing of movement (e.g., yoga asanas) before meditation.

Evidence for Mindfulness and Comparisons

• One cited meta‑analysis reports only moderate benefits for depression/anxiety, small for stress/quality of life, and no superiority over exercise or relaxation.
• Others note mindfulness (and CBT) are not “pills”: benefits require sustained practice, reflection, and often experienced guidance; disagreement over how necessary professional guidance is.

School-Based Interventions & Religious-Education Analogy

• Broad skepticism that school-based programs achieve intended behavioral or moral outcomes (religious education, abstinence, health, financial literacy).
• Religious schooling is discussed as often failing to create stronger believers and sometimes producing atheists, highlighting the gap between curriculum and lived example.
• Several argue that children copy adult behavior more than they follow formal instruction.

Technology, Social Media, and Modern Stress

• Some blame modern overstimulation, social media, and “mindlessly ambitious” cultures for undercutting mindfulness gains.
• One view: societal/technological sophistication is inherently stressful for brains evolved for different environments; “touching grass” and time with animals are proposed counterbalances.
• Others report personally finding technology not stressful, underscoring individual variability.

Concerns About the Study and Article

• Multiple commenters note the study is a low‑sample preprint, not peer‑reviewed, and criticize drawing strong conclusions.
• The linked site is suspected of low‑quality or AI‑generated science coverage, with complaints about promoting preprints to general audiences.

Measurement and Conceptual Issues

• Several point out the outcome is self‑reported mindfulness; increased awareness can make participants rate themselves as less mindful despite actual improvement.
• Some suggest mindfulness and mental well‑being are being conflated; mindfulness is one strategy among many, not a universal fix.