Do you think we should have this in the UK

[Bzzbzzbzzah]

In Florida they have just signed a law getting schools to have signed a bill getting schools to have 1-2 minutes per day for prayer/ silent reflection if not religious. Would you support us doing this in the uk?

ktla.com/news/nationworld/florida-gov-signs-bill-requiring-moment-of-silence-for-prayer-meditation-at-public-schools/

Fuck that Shit

Total waste of school time. We don't need it here.

What on earth is wrong with a mindful moments of silence, where one can breathe and listen to their surroundings and check in on their body? Some people could use it for religious practice others to reflect? What is wrong with teaching children to slow down and breathe?

I'm not religious at all, but in Ireland at 6pm our national broadcaster rte, show the Angelus at 6pm every day. It's one minute of bells and some calming pictures and images some people I'm sure take that time to pray, but for me when I catch it I often sit in silence and breathe. It's a nice reminder.

I do think the practice of silent reflection is a skill that needs to be developed, and that could be better supported at school.

Agree with Dudsville.

The kids don't have to pray, or think about anything in particular, and who is going to know anyway?

They could ponder how they could be their best selves, or make a positive difference in the life of someone they encounter that day - surely that's not a bad thing?

Nope schools are already snowed under trying to squeeze everything else into the day.

If a person wants their kid to reflect or meditate or whatever they should do it at home.

Well, they sometimes do kids yoga at our infant school. That's enough for us!

No thanks. I'm all for some mindfulness time at school but not prayer.

Under His Eye.

No not at all. I would also abandon all 'mindfulness' content too

They should do yoga instead.

As a few others have said, it is already law (I can only vouch for primary schools in England, not other types of schools in other parts of U.K.) to have “a collective act of worship” daily- this can be a prayer, a moment of reflection etc. Previous to covid this was done in whole school assembly. At my school now it is done within classrooms. Parents can request to remove their children from this.

Oh no! I went to a Catholic school and the praying and meditation sessions were just so boring. Thankfully in secondary school alot of students started to refuse to do it and it got phased out. It was a new school , where two schools joined together. One a convent school but it was supposed to be non denominational but old habits were hard to break for some teachers but by 12/13 we had all had enough for praying several times a day.

Despite being religious, I don't believe in acts of worship at school. However, I think taking some time for calmness is a really good idea and many children would benefit. I was an introverted child / teen and would have welcomed some peace and quiet for a few minutes in school each day.

Those who want to could just do it in free reading time surely?

Out of interest, if American kids refuse to pledge allegiance to the flag, what happens?

@Polkadots2021

Out of interest, if American kids refuse to pledge allegiance to the flag, what happens?

They have a First Amendment right to refuse.

No.

This isn't about mindfulness, it's about the religious right getting religion into schools by the back door.

Why? Why does it have to be mandatory?

Why?

Not a chance. I would take my child out of a school that tried to enforce this nonsense. All schools should be secular.

I went to a faith school and was raised by quite normal Christian parents (in the grand scheme of things). I found religion quite damaging to my developmental/social and emotional health. I have no religious faith now.

Nope. Ridiculous idea.

I honestly don’t get what the issue would be here. It would be good for all pupils and potentially could have a very positive impact on mental health it would also allow students to practice their faith freely. It is 1-2 minutes more time is probably lost doing the register per day.

No
There's too much religion in school already (especially primary)

I would be absolutely thrilled if this happened in the UK. I think children and teens should be more able to explore faith and God in schools for themselves rather than a spoon fed version through RE (or not if they don’t want to this isn’t mandatory. I also think it is great for everyone to be able to get a few moments silence. Also even for the non religious normally in times of adversity people turn to prayer. I honestly can’t see a downside and don’t see why this outlet should be prevented for kids who want to pray.