Small acts of kindness take little effort and provide instant personal benefits, as well as benefiting others and the community. Research has shown that giving and receiving kindness can increase happiness, help us feel connected and reduce stress.  

Did you know…

• Giving and receiving kindness strengthens our physical and mental health by easing anxiety, lower blood pressure and increasing creativity and energy levels.
• Being kind to yourself can increase self-esteem, happiness and feelings of self-worth. 
• Kindness is contagious!  When we witness kindness, we feel good and are more likely to be kind to others.  Your kindness can starts a chain reaction that impacts many.

Kindness begins with practicing self-compassion. Self-compassion involves being kind to yourself, accepting your mistakes and shortcomings and showing the same understanding towards ourselves as we would a friend experiencing a tough time or setback.  

Every day we have a choice on how we show up in our communities and for ourselves. Choosing kindness is appreciating and celebrating the beauty around you and in others. 

For ideas on ways to be kind to yourself and others, visit Kindspring or Random Acts of Kindness Foundation

We challenge all community members to flood the internet with kindness . Capture and spread kindness using the hashtag #SCchooseKind

The month of February contains opportunities for us to support the community-driven social outcomes of safety, connectedness & inclusion and larger campaigns including:

• Together, we can make the internet a safer and kinder place for all, especially for our children and young people. 

• Check out Random Acts of Kindness Foundation for kindness ideas

• Lift each other up by treating others with dignity, respect, empathy, compassion and kindness. 

Is it rude? Is it mean? or is it bullying?

When someone says or does something unintentionally hurtful and they do it once, that is rude

When someone says or does something intentionally hurtful and they do it once, that is mean

When someone says or does something intentionally hurtful and they keep doing it - even when you tell them to stop or show them you are upset, that is bullying.

Bullying is never okay. Everyone has the right to be treated with respect and to feel safe.

How can I help?

We can make a difference to those who are affected by abuse and bullying by letting them know they are not alone. Ninety percent of bullying incidents are witnessed by others and can be stopped within 10 seconds when bystanders choose to intervene.

If you witness bullying behaviour you can help by telling the bully to stop, getting help and supporting the person who is targeted.

Healthy Relationships

The key to end bullying is to build awareness and understanding and promote respectful and healthy relationships.built on a foundation of trust, safety and respect..

When we practice kindness, compassion and respect for one another, we build connections in our relationships and communities. Together, we create a supported, safe and caring community for all.