Cork senator believes that yoga classes in schools could help tackle anxiety

Cork senator Jerry Buttimer is calling for yoga to be added to school curriculums.

Mr Buttimer thinks that yoga should be taught in Irish schools to help promote mental health and reduce anxiety in students. He also believes that it will help young people develop good self-esteem. Many students, especially those coming up to exams like the Junior and Leaving cert have said that they have suffered anxiety and panic attacks. Senator Buttimer thinks that these negative experiences can be offset by adding a program focused on positive well-being to the schedule of pupils in schools across the country. He also wants to improve the self-esteem of young people feeling the pressures of social media. According to Breaking News, Mr Buttimer said:

"I believe the impact and the strain of technology and the increased pressure on young people will be able to be overcome by having yoga and mindfulness taught in our schools."

As a parent, I think classes on mindfulness and yoga would be a great addition to schools and would give students breathing room outside of worries about school work and examinations. Having a programme like this in schools would be a fantastic way for young children to release their anxieties in a safe space.