A buddy bench or friendship bench is a seat in a

school A school is an educational institution designed to provide learning spaces and learning environments for the teaching of students under the direction of teachers. Most countries have systems of formal education, which is sometimes compuls ...

playground A playground, playpark, or play area is a place designed to provide an environment for children that facilitates play, typically outdoors. While a playground is usually designed for children, some are designed for other age groups, or people ...

where a child can go when they want someone to talk to.Buddy Bench, CBC Saskatoon, March 24, 2016
Retrieved 2016-04-05 Buddy benches may be distinctively different from other seating in the

and may be specially designed by an artist or with the help of the children themselves. They are sometimes rainbow-colored. Such benches are situated in open and well-traveled areas of the school so that any child using the bench will be noticed quickly. A

child A child ( : children) is a human being between the stages of birth and puberty, or between the developmental period of infancy and puberty. The legal definition of ''child'' generally refers to a minor, otherwise known as a person younger ...

feeling the need for a friend to talk to can sit on the buddy bench. Other children and staff will recognize this as a sign that some help, support or comfort is needed and will come to talk with the child. The buddy bench is a means by which a child can seek support without the need to rationalize their feelings or to seek out a particular member of staff or special friend. Because the bench is in the day-to-day environment of the school it can be used at any time and for any reason—from seemingly trivial matters to more serious concerns—and encourages children to ask for help when they are troubled.

References

Benches (furniture) Friendship {{furniture-stub

See also

References