You should read the articles. The behavior they're describing really doesn't fit with your assumptions. I'd be willing to admit that there is more to meditation

You should read the articles. The behavior they're describing really doesn't fit with your assumptions. I'd be willing to admit that there is more to meditation than placebo, but meditation is not what's being referenced on these articles (and corresponding youtube videos). Not to suggest that there are real narcotic effects. My vote would absolutely be "Placebo Effect" with a helping dose of "kids can be weird".