A colorful bench, an empty seat, and a silent message. In the 19th arrondissement, Paris is unveiling its very first “Friendship Bench” to combat isolation and encourage solidarity among children.
Paris’s first “Friendship Bench,” carrying a message of hope and solidarity
What if all it took was a bench to change recess? The one just installed in the courtyard of Jean Jaurès School, in the 19th arrondissement, has a very special mission: to welcome children who feel lonely and allow them to let others know. Unveiled on Friday, November 6, by the mayor of Paris—the day after National Day Against School Bullying—this very first “friendship bench” in Paris carries a heartwarming message: to ensure that no child feels left out.
How does it work? When a student feels lonely, isolated, or has no one to play with, they can sit on this little purple bench to signal it. It’s a signal, then, directed at their classmates and the adults. Originating in Luché-Pringé in the Sarthe department, this community-minded initiative has been met with enthusiasm and emotion by the students, teachers, and parents at Jean-Jaurès School.
35% of young people are expected to have been affected by bullying by 2025
Alongside the mayor of Paris, a few students even took the opportunity to speak on Friday, November 6, with the spontaneity and sincerity unique to childhood. “No to bullying and yes to friendship!” exclaimed one of them, while another little girl offered a touching “thank you for this gift.” Simple words, but ones that speak volumes about the hope placed in this little bench: the hope that no child will ever again be left alone on the playground, nor left to face their difficulties without anyone to turn to. Emmanuel Grégoire, for his part, emphasized that every child must “be able to find their place at school,” noting that 35% of young people are projected to have been affected by bullying by 2025.
The “Paris at Child Height” initiative
This project is part of the “Paris at Child Height” initiative, which aims to make more room for children in the city and ensure their voices are heard. After redesigning the streets around schools and installing child-friendly Davioud mini-benches, the City of Paris aims to make room for children in all areas of daily life. The first “friendship bench” is yet another example of this, this time right in the heart of the playground.
A wonderful initiative—the kind we’d love to see spring up every day—and a lovely source of inspiration. Proof that a small symbol, a small act, and a little kindness can sometimes change everything…