Schools introduce 'friendship seat' for lonely pupils

Sharday Kelly and Michael Forman at Redoubt North Primary School. Picture / Glenn Jeffrey

Sharday Kelly thinks the "friendship seat" at her school is a "pretty cool" idea. If someone is sitting on it she will know they need a friend to talk to or play with.

The 10-year-old's school, Redoubt North Primary in Manukau, is one of the first in the country to get one.

The idea, which originated in Britain, is that children in the playground who are lonely or sad can sit in the seat to alert teachers and other pupils that there is a problem.

It is hoped children will approach the one in the seat, make sure he or she is all right and ask them to play.

In Britain, it also aims to help prevent bullying before it becomes a problem.

The seat was presented yesterday by the children's charity Variety. Michael Forman, international president, who is in New Zealand for a week, said the seat was a key beginning to promoting friendship and kindness in youngsters.

"We feel it will go a long way to help create a sense of community within a school," he said.

Variety plans to provide more of the seats over the next few years.

But some experts warned the idea needed to be treated carefully.

Mike Williams, a school counsellor for more than 25 years, said there was a risk children could be singled out and targeted if they sat in the seat.

"It seems like it could be counter-productive to all but the youngest children," he said.

The seat is aimed at 5- to 7-year-olds.

Massey University's Dr Juliana Raskauskas, an educational psychologist whose particular field is bullying, said it could work.

"At that early age, being included and learning social skills are things that help to protect from bullying in the long run."

However, it would not be effective for children any older as they became aware of the reactions to standing out.

Paul Heff, principal at Laingholm Primary School in west Auckland, said he had introduced a friendship seat six years ago and a child had never been picked on after sitting on it.

"It's nothing to do with bullying, but to help create a caring environment and it works really well."

Redoubt principal Jane Milner said the success of the plan would depend on how the school introduced the seat.