7 Powerful Things Teachers, Parents, and Kids Are Doing to Prevent School Shootings

Preventing loneliness

Ten-year-old Christian Bucks was nervous about his move to a new school for first grade, so he and his mother came up with a solution: Buddy Benches, aimed at bringing together kids who are lonely, new to town, and who typically have nobody to play with at recess and before and after school. Loneliness may not sound like a serious issue, but according to one survey, 80 percent of kids between 8 and 10 years old are feeling it, and it can lead to some very sad and troubling experiences that stick with them. Fortunately, as Christian’s mom told the Washington Post, “He’s always looking out for the person who might need a little help.” Now, Buddy Benches have taken off around the country and the world, where kids notice other kids sitting on these benches and either join them or invite them to play. Letters of appreciation have poured in from around the country, where children are letting Christian know just how much of a difference he’s made.

Don’t miss this important list of 50 ways not to feel lonely.

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