The aim is to combat a rise in depression, anti-social behaviour and self-harm among young people.

But how exactly do you teach children to be happy?

Surely emotions occur spontaneously and cannot be spoon fed by the state.

As a child, doesn't happiness come from life's simpler pleasures, like playing with friends in the park or heading to the newsagents after school to buy sweets.

The lessons will start next September, using special behavioural techniques from the US and psychologist professor Martin Seligman from the University of Pennsylvania, who has been put in charge of training our teachers to deliver them.

Children aged 11 will be shown how to challenge negative thinking and improve their self-esteem.

While I am in no doubt these issues need to be tackled – perhaps the classroom is not the best place to do it.

If pupils are having happiness lessons added to their timetable, which other lessons will be affected as a result?

School is an establishment where children should learn traditional subjects, such as English, maths and science.

Teachers cannot possibly be expected to fulfil the role of parents – they just don't have the time.

Perhaps the Government should concentrate on making sure all children leave school with basic levels of literacy and numeracy before they sit them on the psychiatrist's couch.

What next? Handing out Prozac pills for children to take with their healthy school meals?


What do you think? Add your comments below.