Return to Headlines
‘Buddy Benches’ build bridges to prevent bullying
Rancho Cordova Elementary has new tools in the fight against bullying. And while seemingly simple, they offer powerful opportunities for positive student relationships.
This year, the school purchased two blue benches with the words “Buddy Bench” carved into the back. The benches are strategically located where youths spend so much of their social time: the playground.
When a student has no one to play with, they can take a seat on the bench. As other students notice, they invite the child to play. The benches are intended to help children develop the social skills necessary to prevent bullying and other negative behaviors.
Averaging about 10 uses each recess, the benches have already found a place on both the school playground and in the hearts of its students.
“I like it because it gives everyone someone to play with! No one is lonely on the playground anymore,” said third-grader Tonga Funaki.
Rancho Cordova Elementary Principal Larry Mahoney said he made the decision to purchase the benches after realizing combating bullying would take more than poster contests and buzz words.
“A lot of people talk about bullying, but really what it comes down to is giving kids a tool, something in their hands that they can use,” Mahoney said.
Mahoney said a campus survey has shown a drop in the number of students reporting they feel lonely in the time since the benches were installed.
This year, the school purchased two blue benches with the words “Buddy Bench” carved into the back. The benches are strategically located where youths spend so much of their social time: the playground.
When a student has no one to play with, they can take a seat on the bench. As other students notice, they invite the child to play. The benches are intended to help children develop the social skills necessary to prevent bullying and other negative behaviors.
Averaging about 10 uses each recess, the benches have already found a place on both the school playground and in the hearts of its students.
“I like it because it gives everyone someone to play with! No one is lonely on the playground anymore,” said third-grader Tonga Funaki.
Rancho Cordova Elementary Principal Larry Mahoney said he made the decision to purchase the benches after realizing combating bullying would take more than poster contests and buzz words.
“A lot of people talk about bullying, but really what it comes down to is giving kids a tool, something in their hands that they can use,” Mahoney said.
Mahoney said a campus survey has shown a drop in the number of students reporting they feel lonely in the time since the benches were installed.
“By having these benches, I feel we’ve set a precedent. We’ve shown here that it works, that it’s effective, and that we here at Rancho Cordova Elementary know how to stand up to and beat bullying,” he said.