Three things in human life are important. The first is to be kind. The second is to be kind. And the third is to be kind. – Henry James

Kindness counts. Kindness makes relationships better, increases happiness, improves productivity, and helps us live healthier lives.

Most people would agree that it often feels like we’re living in an unkind world today. We regularly hear, see, and feel unkind words and behavior. Regardless of their direction, they impact everyone in their path. We’ve become accustomed to living in a world void of kindness, empathy, and respect – especially online – and it’s time to break this trend and give kindness the comeback we desperately need.

October is National Bullying Prevention Month. One of the most effective ways we can diminish bullying and cyberbullying is to increase kindness and empathy.

Join the #BeKindOnlineChallenge this October. Make kindness a priority in your virtual life. Communicate with empathy, respect, and kindness – even when you disagree.

Share your daily dose of cyber-kindness with the #BeKindOnlineChallenge hashtag to motivate your friends, family, peers, connections, neighbors, and the world:

• Commend people being kind online.
• Praise civil discourse – let’s applaud those who respectfully disagree.
• Show support for those facing unkind experiences.
• Share why kindness matters.
• Applaud kind offline behavior.
• Redirect unkind communication.

Students, challenge yourselves and each other. We’re counting on you to lead the way and to flood social media with positivity and kindness. Remember to tag your posts, tweets, and comments with #BeKindOnlineChallenge.

Parents, talk with your kids about the importance of kindness, how an act of kindness made a difference in your life, and impactful stories. In today’s age, a video is worth a million words, and there are plenty of inspirational ones online for you to share with them. Spread the word on social media, too.

Kindness starts with each one of us. Let’s commit ourselves to fostering a better cyber-world – leading with kindness, empathy, and respect.

Be kind online. Share with care. Be cyber-safe.

#BeKindOnlineChallenge