3 Reasons to Have a Buddy Bench at School

Posted by outdoorschoolfurniture on December 2nd, 2019

It's recess! Toys are everywhere, and kids are running around happily. But, when you take a closer look, some aren't joining in on the fun. Any parent will find it hard to see that their children don't get to enjoy playtime because they don't have someone to spend it with. For that, the Buddy Bench was invented. Each one is strategically placed in schoolyards and playgrounds to encourage friendship and understanding.

Buddy Benches are like standard ones, but they're painted with fun colors. Usually, there's also a plaque or sign that designates them as something special. During school hours, if a little kid needs someone to talk to, is feeling lonely, or doesn't have anyone to play with, they sit on it.

Other peers will then see someone in need and act accordingly. They may sit and make a new friend, then invite them to play. This may seem like a simple concept, but it can change many little ones' childhood for the better.

If you think that having these benches at your school will be beneficial, read on. Here are other reasons that you’ll want to consider before buying one.

It Benefits Struggling Children

There are plenty of reasons why a child may be struggling at school. For some, family problems tend to spill over during class, causing them to feel overwhelmed. Others don't know how to interact with their classmates. You can help them fix this over time by making things simpler.

Sitting on a Buddy Bench gives them the chance to be noticed. This can result in them making new friends with those who are kind enough to talk.

It Helps Emotional Processing

Like with many adults, sometimes, children find it hard to reach out for support because it's perceived as a sign of weakness. But, by removing the stigma and making it accessible, it'll be easier. When they're not happy, they know that if they sit on the bench, someone will be there, a shoulder to lean on. It teaches them that it's okay to seek help during tough times.

It Teaches Empathy

This concept doesn’t solely benefit lonely children. It also teaches others empathy, which is a huge advantage for the entire school. When a child sees their peers sitting on the bench, they're given the opportunity to act. Once they do, they'll make their classmates feel loved and accepted. This social skill should be developed because it'll be useful when they grow up.  

Helping kids understand that making friends with people who feel left out is necessary to have a healthy community. It uplifts the value of camaraderie and understanding. The examples given are just some of the many great reasons for installing a Buddy Bench For schools that want to help their students develop better friendships, it's best to get it right away.