Crayons Provided to Oxford Students for Stress Relief – Refrain from Labeling Them as ‚Snowflakes

Introduction

Oxford University has come under fire for providing students with crayons and coloring books to help them cope with exam stress. The initiative, which was launched by the university’s welfare team, has been criticized by some who believe it is infantilizing and patronizing to students. However, supporters argue that it is a harmless and effective way to help students manage their stress levels.

The Controversy

The controversy surrounding the initiative centers on the perception that it is treating students like children. Some have accused the university of pandering to the so-called “snowflake” generation, a term used to describe young people who are seen as overly sensitive and easily offended. Critics argue that providing coloring books and crayons is a patronizing gesture that undermines the seriousness of the academic environment.

However, supporters of the initiative argue that it is a harmless and effective way to help students manage their stress levels. They point out that coloring has been shown to have therapeutic benefits, such as reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation. They also argue that the initiative is part of a wider effort by the university to promote mental health and wellbeing among students.

The Benefits of Coloring

Research has shown that coloring can have a positive impact on mental health. A study published in the Journal of the American Art Therapy Association found that coloring can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety in adults. The study also found that coloring can improve mood and increase feelings of wellbeing.

Another study, published in the Creativity Research Journal, found that coloring can help to reduce stress levels. The study found that participants who colored for 20 minutes experienced a significant reduction in cortisol, a hormone associated with stress. The researchers concluded that coloring can be an effective way to manage stress and promote relaxation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the initiative by Oxford University to provide students with crayons and coloring books to help them cope with exam stress has sparked controversy. While some have criticized the initiative as infantilizing and patronizing, others argue that it is a harmless and effective way to promote mental health and wellbeing among students. Research has shown that coloring can have therapeutic benefits, such as reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation. Ultimately, the success of the initiative will depend on whether or not students find it helpful and whether or not it is part of a wider effort by the university to promote mental health and wellbeing

Original article Teaser

Oxford Students Given Crayons to Relieve Stress – But Don’t Dare Call Them ‘Snowflakes’

Students at the University of Oxford have been given free colouring pencils to relieve stress. This follows the news that the Oxford Union will make ‘welfare resources’ available when Kathleen Stock is due to give a talk at the Union later this month for those students who feel traumatised by the presence of the UnHerd columnist. Ewan Somerville in the Telegraph has more. The exercise has been rolled out in the Bodleian Social Science Library and elsewhere on university sites. Bundles of coloured pencils are provided on a table to undergraduates, along with a sign to “try out some mindful colouring”, a picture posted online shows. The notice says: “Give your mind a break. Help yourselves to some pencils and

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