Ballyshannon National School in Kilcullen is the latest Kildare school to build a 'buddy bench' for their pupils as they hope it will prevent bullying and help with the pupil's mental health in the long term future.
Robertstown NS unveiled two of their own benches less than two months ago, and Ballyshannon NS have been quick to follow the innovative idea to help make school a better place for their pupils.
The idea behind a buddy bench is that a lonely child will come along and sit on the bench at break time and other pupils will be encouraged to include them in whatever activities that are going on. Triona Cahill, a teacher in the school, painted the bench in Ballyshannon.
Sinead Cleary, a teacher at Ballyshannon NS, said that she hopes that the bench will encourage students to speak to teachers and their peers so they can get any personal issues off their chest.
"We have 107 pupils on roll and we hope that our buddy bench will ensure that all children feel loved and cared for at all times. We're hoping the bench will encourage children who feel sad or alone to sit down and allow their peers and us teachers to know this. Other Children can then join them and help them to join in or feel happier!! We all know how important good mental health is nowadays," she said.
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