A recent review, Yoga for children and adolescents: A decade-long integrative review on feasibility and efficacy in school-based and psychiatric care interventions, led by Nóra Kerekes and her team, shows exactly why yoga deserves serious attention in schools and health services. Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHs) are already introducing yoga.
The review draws on ten years of research and combines two powerful approaches. Quantitative studies show measurable results, like reduced anxiety and improved focus, while qualitative studies provide rich insights into personal experiences and emotional shifts.
When it comes to mental health, the review revealed significant benefits.
Participants with conditions such as anxiety, depression, and ADHD saw improvements in emotional regulation and healthier behaviours. Young people with autism also experienced meaningful changes, including reduced stress and enhanced emotional balance.
Cognitive improvements were another highlight. Children and teens practicing yoga demonstrated sharper focus, better memory, and clearer thinking, helping them excel in school and confidently handle daily pressures.
In schools, yoga has the power to transform. By helping students stay focused, manage stress, and regulate their emotions, yoga supports both academic success and classroom harmony. Its flexibility makes it a great fit for diverse needs, from students with ADHD to those with autism. In health services, yoga is gaining traction as a cost-effective and non-invasive complement to traditional therapies. Some UK Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), like Southampton CAMHS, have already made yoga a core part of their programmes, and others are introducing resources like accessible yoga practices and breathing exercises for families.
These early steps show how yoga can relieve pressure on overburdened mental health systems while supporting young people in profound ways.
This review isn’t just science—it’s a call to action. Yoga for children and adolescents makes the case for bringing yoga into schools and health services now. Share this paper with parents, educators, and health professionals looking for innovative ways to support children’s mental health.
