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The Cool to be Kind Campaign
The Cool to be Kind Campaign began as our anti-bullying initiative in 2001 using the slogan ‘Don’ t be Rude, Don’t Exclude, Don’t Push In and Don’t Hurt to Win’. The slogan was so successful that we have kept it running.
Why was it formed? At the time bully behaviour within our society was on the increase and kindness and consideration for others appeared to be decreasing. Courtesy was out of fashion. We have been campaigning since that time in an attempt to make kindness ‘cool’ again as it was clear that many potentially bullying situations arose out of rude or inconsideration behaviour.
Cool to be Kind Day as an anti-bullying Initiative?
The nature of bullying has altered to a more insidious, manipulative form which is difficult for everyone to deal with. Much of what goes on happens in secret or is unreported. Read ECD. Statistics show that 80 per cent of children would not be involved in bullying activity unless they were encouraged by their peer group as the ‘cool’ thing to do. If we can change peer dynamics that support and maintain this new form of bullying we can save lives with this campaign. At least we can make society a more pleasant place to live in.
Cool to Be Kind In Schools
Our Cool to be Kind Campaign is perfect for schools. It offers an upbeat approach to the unsavoury subject of bullying. The children are encouraged to follow the rules of the campaign with a simple talk. At the same time, they are increasing their knowledge on the effects of bullying on the individual and in society. Equally importantly, they develop assertiveness and risk assessment skills and explore personal emotions contributing to positive self-esteem.
Parents and teachers alike have been impressed by the simple charms of Cool to be Kind and fascinated by the positive reaction to the campaign’s slogan.
Why not join in with it yourself? For more information about how to get it going in your area or in your school simply call 0845 230 2560 email us
Why do we need to campaign? Read this:
‘One of the saddest findings in the report is we have the highest proportion of children who report not finding their friends kind and helpful. Only 40 per cent did—less than half. In Switzerland its 80 per cent. That says something about the very intimidating relationships between children and indicates a dog-eat-dog world out there.’ Professor Jonathan Bradshaw, York University reporting on the Unicef report, 2007.