FIVE little words can change a little life.

The powerful statement ‘You Can Sit With Me’ is being used to promote the very special new initiative aimed at ensuring children never feel alone.

Last week saw Medowie schools acknowledge the seventh National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence on March 17 and News Of The Area spoke with local students about one special program for young people.

‘You Can Sit With Me’ is an anti-bullying campaign and kindness initiative.

Aimed at battling childhood anxiety, depression and loneliness, this remarkably special program involves bright yellow wristbands worn by the students to indicate they are happy to sit with someone new.

Emblazoned with ‘YOU CAN SIT WITH ME’, these bands offer silent support to a student who may be nervous about finding someone to talk to, ask for support, or simply sit and share lunch with.

These bands tell everybody in a school, sports club or community group that the wearer welcomes anyone to sit with them no matter what culture, religion, grade or age the person needing support is.

Wirreanda Public School student Adryane Montgomery told News Of The Area, “We should all have them so if someone is mean or we are late to school, someone else will come and sit with us.”

The Wirreanda Public School ‘friendship seat’ is worthy of special mention.

A bench has been painted bright colours and sits in the playground.

It is well known by all students as somewhere they can sit if they need someone to talk to or play with.
Other students can then approach the child on the bench and invite them to play.

Teachers at Wirreanda report that the bench has been a wonderful addition, and that all students are active in ensuring children who sit on the bench don’t stay there long before being invited to play.

Irrawang High School student Attila Worley-McGrath told News Of The Area, “I’d like all kids to feel strong enough to speak up.”

“I’d like to tell them, be strong, be true, stand proud and you will withstand all.”

 

By Rachael VAUGHAN