Mothers of a bygone age may have quipped that if you can\u2019t say anything nice about someone, you shouldn\u2019t say anything at all. At K12, we\u2019d like to challenge that old adage! We encourage everyone\u2014this month and always\u2014to use their voices to actively spread kindness, recognizing that we all have the power to make our world a kinder place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When caregivers were asked by PARENTS Magazine<\/a> to select the three most important qualities they hope to instill in their children, kindness came out on top. Nearly three-quarters of those surveyed listed the trait as a priority\u2014over both intelligence and individuality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Still, according to the National Center for Educational Statistics<\/a>, one out of every five students report being bullied. Among those are students who also bully others. Those students face greater risk for mental health and behavior problems (Centers for Disease Control, 2019<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, how do we break the bullying cycle? Another adage usually rings true: What goes around comes around. The more kindness we model, the more positive behavior will become the norm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Throughout October, Strider is encouraging everyone to join them in taking the K12 Kindness Pledge<\/a> and setting out on a journey to spread kindness. All students, families, and community members are invited to join K12 Days of Kindness!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Make kindness a lifestyle! Start by taking the K12 Kindness Pledge<\/a> and passing it along to others!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then, start your journey with Strider toward new daily kindness encounters, completing suggested activities at each of the twelve Smile Markers along the trail<\/a>. As you complete small tasks such as thanking a teacher, practicing forgiveness, and being kind to yourself, you might just start a chain reaction of kindness in your community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Throughout your journey, notice how your shared kindness makes you feel and look for ways in which kindness comes back to you! This is also a great reminder that kindness is often its own reward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n K12 Days of Kindness is just the beginning! Encourage your friends and family to set your own kindness goals. You can also explore K12\u2019s bullying prevention resources<\/a> and read inspiring stories from real students at K12-powered schools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you or someone you know needs a safer school environment or is curious about online school options for any reason, we\u2019re here to help! Search for K12-powered online schools that are available where you are!<\/p>Introducing Strider\u2019s Kindness Quest<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How You Can Help<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Continue Your Kindness Journey<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Looking for a kinder, more accommodating school?<\/h2>