Making friends at the ‘Buddy Bench’

The words “Make a Friend” adorn a bench in the Lido Elementary school playground in colorful bubble letters.

It’s called the “Buddy Bench,” and Lido is one of many Long Island schools that adopted the idea, which is part of a national effort to combat bullying and promote social and emotional learning among children.

“The idea is so that kids always feel included, and it’s an opportunity for them to safely say that they’d like a friend,” said Dr. Michelle LaForest, Lido Elementary School’s psychologist.

“The kids are aware that someone on the Buddy Bench is looking for a friend, and they can come over and make a friend.”

LaForest brought the idea to the attention of Principal Brenda Young, teacher-in-charge Sharon Weiss and the school’s social worker, Dr. Shelly Cepeda, who immediately fell in love with it.

“It’s a great strategy to help teach children about social awareness,” Cepeda said.

The bench was unveiled in October with an official ribbon cutting ceremony attended by Young and Weiss. It was a component of a “Kindness Starts with Me” initiative that emphasized the importance of positive behaviors, ways to prevent bullying and promote healthy friendships.

The students learned about the bench during an assembly announcement, when a group of fifth grade peer mediators read the rules and gave an introduction to the concept, and it was well received.  

“The kids were really excited about it,” LaForest said.

The bench —hand-painted by the school’s artist-in-residence, Lynda D’Alessio — combats bullying by creating a safe, comfortable environment where children are encouraged to engage and socialize with one another, school officials said. The concept is beneficial to both emotional and moral growth.

Children are invited to sit on the bench when they’re feeling like they’re in need of a friend, so they can play with a classmate or meet someone new.

“I think it’s a wonderful addition to a warm climate we try to create on a daily basis,” Cepeda said.