Common Sense Media Review
By Dana Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Practical meditation for adults and kids; hefty price.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Download
Videos and Photos
Headspace: Sleep & Meditation
Privacy Rating Warning
Privacy Rating
Our expert evaluators create our privacy ratings. The ratings are designed to help you understand how apps use your data for commercial purposes.
Pass
Meets our minimum requirements for privacy and security practices.
Warning
Does not meet our recommendations for privacy and security practices.
Fail
Does not have a privacy policy and should not be used.
Privacy Rating
Our expert evaluators create our privacy ratings. The ratings are designed to help you understand how apps use your data for commercial purposes.
Pass
Meets our minimum requirements for privacy and security practices.
Warning
Does not meet our recommendations for privacy and security practices.
Fail
Does not have a privacy policy and should not be used.
What's It About?
To use HEADSPACE: MINDFUL MEDITATION, first create an account (using Facebook, Spotify, or email), and then watch the tutorial. The app uses common meditation techniques -- such as body scans, becoming aware of environmental sounds, breath awareness, breath counting, and more -- to establish a serene, aware space for the mind to rest. Watch the promos about the other meditation options, including the kids' meditations, which are separated into age groups: 5 and under, 6 to 8, and 9 to 12. If you choose to unlock the rest of the content, sign up for the 30-day free trial (which will auto-renew unless canceled). Set reminders, share with friends, and use other settings to customize the experience.
Is It Any Good?
This app makes meditation accessible, modern, and practical. From suggestions on how to sit while meditating to specific sessions for everyday moments -- getting out of bed, walking, eating -- Headspace: Mindful Meditation takes a calm, relaxed approach to bringing calm relaxation into the lives of adults and kids. That said, for some younger kids who need visual cues, this app may not be as effective as other meditation or breathing apps that use images to slow down breathing, focus the eyes, and calm kids. Also, the one-minute meditations for kids go by so quickly that they may lose any usefulness. The free, introductory 10-minute sessions may be a good way to test whether you and your kid like the app's methods enough to purchase a subscription; however, the kid-focused meditations are somewhat different from the free intro meditations. Of course, how effective it is will depend solely on if and how regularly users take the time to sit and listen. The app's creator suggests finding a specific time and place to use the app daily and setting the in-app reminders to improve chances you'll create a habit. Also, since the price is prohibitive to many, parents could use the app for a month or two and then try to keep the habit going without the subscription.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why a daily meditation practice can be valuable. Ask your kid: When do you feel like you could use some "headspace?" After school? Before homework? At bedtime, when thoughts may be swirling? Does Headspace: Mindful Meditation help?
The app encourages kids and parents to meditate together. Can meditation become a regular family activity?
Talk about situations where "chill skills" can be especially valuable. When is it a good idea to take a deep breath before doing anything? Do you think meditating regularly would help you feel calmer?
App Details
- Devices : iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android
- Skills : Self-Direction : personal growth , self-reflection , Emotional Development : handling stress , self-awareness , Health & Fitness : meditation
- Pricing structure : Free to try, Free (7-day trial then $12.99 per month or $41.99 per year.)
- Release date : March 30, 2017
- Genre : Health & Fitness
- Publisher : Headspace meditation limited
- Version : 2.12.0
- Minimum software requirements : iOS 9.0 or later; Android varies with device
- Last updated : May 11, 2022
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