How little people can make a big difference | Charlie Cooper | TEDxJCUCairns

This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. Charlie Cooper is a nine year old boy who is wiser than his years. Charlie tells the story of how the buddy bench at Trinity Beach State School came to be a tool to address bullying. He explains how you can turn a negative situation into a positive outcome.

Charlie Cooper was born in 2005 making him the grand old age of 9.
He lives in Trinity Beach with his Mum, Dad and 2 siblings. He attends Trinity Beach State School and is currently in grade 3,
He loves to play Lego, ride his bike and play on his Dad’s flight simulator.

About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

[cultofdumbpling]

anyone else here for an English class or something like it

[Iguanaintrouble]

My heart melts for this child and anyone that has had to go through isolation.

[analyse]

Charlie you are really a great inspiration. I did listen. I listened carefully and a young friend of my daughter also shared with me that she is lonely in school. Hence I am determined to introduce your idea to our local school here in South Germany. You rock!

[MoshtheDay]

This is just his first success. Imagine what he'll figure out when he's older! Bless him!

[pamelalove]

You will be very happy to know that my son's class made a buddy bench in their school in Kuwait this year. It works wonderfully and was featured in their yearly show as well. You are quite the inspiration young man! Thank you for spreading your idea.

[diegoaviles]

I love this talk, I'm homeschooled so it make it hard to make friends sometimes, but from my perspective you don't need everyone one in the world to be friends with you. I may have very few friends. But the ones that I do have, were great friends. we get along well, we keep in touch with each other, we can relate to each other. I love this talk, I think there should more buddy bench's. Not just in Australia, but a round The world.

[speakevermore]

Such a cute kid!!!
I love his sensitivity and willingness to help other lonely kids. Bravo

[stewartlockie]

Inspiring talk Charlie! Every time I see the Buddy Bench at Trinity Beach State School I smile. Even when it's empty, it's empty because all the kids have someone to play with.

[dontreadmyprofilepicture]

The young boy still has lots to learn and that’s perfectly fine! Young speaker - 9 years of age already has his own Ted Talk!

[hedyachibane]

children like you are why i want to be a teacher. you are such a sweet little angel <3

[addisonelizabeth]

i live in america and my old school had a buddy bench. what a great idea from such a small kid! i would’ve never thought of that. good job :)

[candicejfathi]

brilliant! I was touched. I cried happy tears. I wish I had a buddy bench growing up in public school. I LOVE this idea! I want to introduce the Buddy bench to the  kids schools. God bless Charlie and his parents! 

[arlinegeorge]

Beautiful impressive amazing child. Inspiring. Thank you, bless you. All your dreams come true. Every thing is possible !

[laauar]

Cool he really shared a lot of his feelings

[RockyAbduljabar]

Hello Charlie,
We watched your video today in class, my students were inspired to come with similar ideas to make a big difference in school! Thank you for your spark!

[naoquerotercanal]

how can anyone dislike this kid??
way to go, buddy!!

[jens.]

You are an incredible being Charlie Cooper! The world needs more people like you. ❤

[fh]

I am so happy he came up with the idea of a "Buddy Bench". It would be so nice to see this in all schools. Just for children to enjoy some small talk or even to relax and get to know peers. Sure, now it may be difficult for children to make friends because of the over involvement in technology but schools could definitely, have a place where children put away all the gizmos and gadgets and 'chill-out'. Brilliant idea. 

[kathleenhilchey]

What a powerful talk Charlie! And, what a powerful idea... You have eliminated so much pain with this creative idea, and with your excellent leadership. I'm glad that the world has you!

[debschmidt]

Every school needs a buddy bench. I taught for 32years and this is a great idea!