Every child deserves a friend. Every moment is a chance to connect.
In every schoolyard, there are children waiting—waiting to be seen, heard, and invited in. Some are shy. Some are still finding their words. Some live with developmental delays or disabilities that make connection feel just out of reach.
One small idea helps bridge that gap—the Buddy Bench. More than a seat on the playground, it’s a symbol of hope and inclusion—a quiet place where a child who feels left out can sit not to be labeled, but to be noticed. It invites others to offer something powerful: a kind word, a new friendship, an open heart.
When we teach children to recognize loneliness and respond with empathy, we don’t just prevent bullying—we spark a daily practice of kindness.
At Kids on the Move, our mission is clear: provide inclusion for children with disabilities and vulnerabilities. Through Hope in Motion, we partner with schools, businesses, and communities to make Buddy Benches—and the lessons that bring them to life—available wherever kids learn and play.
Each bench is a quiet invitation, a tool that helps children build empathy, offer friendship, and see each other in new ways. Because when kids learn to lead with kindness, the ripple effect reaches every corner of our communities.
Together, we can create a world where no child is left to sit alone.
What is a Buddy Bench?
A Buddy Bench is a designated place on the playground where any child can go if they feel left out, need a friend, or just want someone to talk to. It signals to others: “I could use a friend right now.”
It gives students a safe, respectful way to ask for connection—and gives others the chance to respond with kindness and inclusion.
Why It Matters
- 1 in 6 U.S. children has a developmental delay or disability.
- These children are twice as likely to be bullied or socially excluded.
Buddy Benches provide a safe, visible space for connection—creating lifelong habits of empathy and acceptance.
The Story Behind the Buddy Bench
The Buddy Bench began with a simple idea from a first grader who believed no one should ever feel alone. In 2013, Christian Bucks, a second-grade student in York, Pennsylvania, noticed that some kids didn’t have anyone to play with during recess. Inspired by a similar concept he saw in Germany, Christian proposed adding a bench to the playground where children could sit when they were feeling lonely—signaling to others that they were looking for a friend.
His idea caught on. That single bench sparked a movement now seen on school playgrounds around the world. The Buddy Bench became more than just a place to sit—it became a symbol of kindness, empathy, and the courage to include others.
Today, initiatives like Sit With Me carry that legacy forward by ensuring children of all abilities, especially those with developmental delays and disabilities, are seen, included, and supported.
Because sometimes, a simple seat becomes the start of something powerful: belonging.
How a Buddy Bench Works (and Why It’s Effective)
- Clear signal. Sitting on the bench communicates a need without putting a child on the spot.
- Immediate response. Nearby students are encouraged to say “Hi” and invite the child to join.
- Shared responsibility. Adults praise inclusion and help kids problem-solve (“Our game is full—what else can we do together?”).
- Practice makes progress. The more kids use it, the more natural empathy becomes.
Buddy Bench Rules Students Understand (Free Poster)
- Sit on the bench when you want a friend to play or talk with.
- See someone on the bench? Say hello and invite them to join.
- Invite—don’t interrogate. One friendly question is enough.
- If your game is full, suggest a new activity you can do together.
- Once you connect, get moving: play, walk, or talk together.
Download the printable poster:
For Parents, Alumni, Volunteers & Supporters: Every Dollar Matters
This is your moment to stand up for inclusion—right where it counts: the playground. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, alum, volunteer, or neighbor who believes every child should be seen and invited in, you belong in this effort.
With as little as $5, you can help place a bench at a local school and give a child a quiet way to say, “Please include me.” Your gift, your share, your voice—each one helps turn an ordinary seat into a daily practice of kindness. Because inclusion shouldn’t be optional: bullying affects 1 in 5 Utah students, and rates are even higher for children with developmental delays and disabilities. Small, consistent acts change school culture.
Let’s create schools where no one sits alone.
Want to help create change?