Don’t Label Them ‚Snowflakes‘: Oxford Students Provided with Crayons to Alleviate Stress

Introduction

Oxford University students have been given crayons and coloring books to help them cope with exam stress. However, the university has warned against calling the students “snowflakes,” a term used to describe young people who are perceived as overly sensitive and easily offended.

The coloring books and crayons were distributed by the university’s welfare team, which aims to support students’ mental health and wellbeing during exam season. The team also provided stress balls and other relaxation aids.

Why the Crayons?

The use of coloring books as a stress-relieving activity has become increasingly popular in recent years, with many adults turning to the childhood pastime as a way to unwind. The simple act of coloring is said to help reduce anxiety and promote mindfulness.

Oxford University’s decision to provide coloring books to its students is part of a wider trend of universities and workplaces offering mental health support to their staff and students. The move has been welcomed by mental health campaigners, who argue that stress and anxiety are major issues affecting young people today.

Don’t Call Them Snowflakes

Despite the positive intentions behind the coloring books, the university has warned against using the term “snowflake” to describe its students. The term has become increasingly popular in recent years as a way to criticize young people who are seen as overly sensitive or easily offended.

However, mental health campaigners argue that the use of the term is unhelpful and can contribute to a culture of stigma and shame around mental health issues. They argue that young people today face a range of pressures and challenges that can lead to stress and anxiety, and that it is important to provide support and understanding rather than criticism and ridicule.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the decision by Oxford University to provide coloring books and crayons to its students is a positive step towards supporting mental health and wellbeing. The use of coloring books as a stress-relieving activity has been shown to be effective, and the university’s welfare team should be commended for taking a proactive approach to supporting its students.

However, it is important to remember that mental health issues are a serious and complex problem that cannot be dismissed with a simple label like “snowflake.” Young people today face a range of pressures and challenges that can lead to stress and anxiety, and it is important to provide support and understanding rather than criticism and ridicule. By offering mental health support to its students, Oxford University is setting an example for other institutions to follow

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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