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Pause Breathe Smile, a mind health programme that helps tamariki regulate emotions and pay attention

place New Zealand

Pause Breathe Smile aims to create a healthier New Zealand by teaching kids mind health skills

NZ's own locally designed and internationally recognised schools’ mindfulness-based programme. The results are backed by research and wellbeing science and neuroscience, and show that Pause Breathe Smile increases wellbeing, reduces stress, boosts conflict resolution skills and enhances self-awareness. The programme is fully funded by Southern Cross so freely available to all schools in NZ.

Shortlisted
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Overview

HundrED shortlisted this innovation

HundrED has shortlisted this innovation to one of its innovation collections. The information on this page has been checked by HundrED.

Web presence

2013

Established

143K

Children

1

Countries
Target group
Teachers
Updated
April 2024
Research into implementation show that post one year of implementing PBS, schools continue to see improvements in outcomes. We would like to see this continue and expand throughout all schools, culminating in a generation of children prepared for life with tools to survive life's ups and down and flourish.

About the innovation

Why did you create this innovation?

Data shows New Zealand ranks 34/41 countries regarding overall childhood wellbeing. Teen suicide rate is the highest among developed nations. Antidepressant medication being prescribed to children under 13 years in New Zealand has increased 79.4 percent since '06, and increased 102% among teens aged 14-18 (same time period). Evidence-based programmes in mental health were not available to schools

What does your innovation look like in practice?

We train teachers (whole-school) to implement this robust, evidence-based wellbeing programme. PBS will meet schools where they are at with wellbeing, and layer, enrich, and embed wellbeing experiences and approaches. By building the capacity of your team, you can build the wellbeing outcomes for children. Training workshop is either 1x full day in-person or 4x1 hour multi-sessions online.

How has it been spreading?

In the last four years of delivering, since Southern Cross began funding, Pause Breathe Smile is now being taught to 1 in 4 NZ primary and intermediate children.

If I want to try it, what should I do?

We have a free Pause Breathe Smile app for families, children and educators to try at home. Practices are in english and te reo Māori. Download the app via your app store.

Spread of the innovation

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