August 11, 2026, Durham, NC – Why has mindfulness become an important topic in schools, youth programs, and healthcare? Organizations have been implementing mindfulness practice in everyday youth activities, but what does the research actually say about its impact on children and adolescents?

In the coming months, iRT will be exploring these questions in a new blog series dedicated to the science of mindfulness. From understanding the foundations of mindfulness to exploring its role in healthy coping, emotional regulation, social-emotional skills development, school functioning, and substance use prevention, each article will examine the evidence behind mindfulness and how developmentally appropriate mindfulness education programs can help youth build skills that last a lifetime. We will also be discussing several evidence-based mindfulness programs that your organization or school could implement to educate the youth you interact with and help build their daily practice.

Whether you work with young people professionally or support them at home, we hope you will join us as we explore how mindfulness can help children and adolescents navigate life’s challenges.

Stay tuned for the first installment: What Is Mindfulness and Why Does It Matter for Youth Today?