Buddy Benches for Kindness, Empathy, and Mental Well-being

You may have noticed a Buddy Bench at your school—a bench with a powerful purpose!

We’re highlighting this initiative as part of Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week, a time to reflect on how we can create safer, more inclusive spaces for all children.

Buddy Benches promote kindness, empathy, and mental well-being by offering a quiet way for students to signal they’re looking for a friend or connection. It encourages others to reach out and include them.

Repeated use of the bench may also alert school staff to provide additional support, helping prevent bullying and ensuring no child feels alone.

Together, we can make a difference—not just this week, but every day. By supporting initiatives like the Buddy Bench, we’re taking meaningful steps toward preventing bullying and building a culture of compassion, connection, and care in our schools and communities.