Meet Cavanaugh, the world’s youngest anti-bullying activist

We all get to live in this wonderful world, full of love, life and inspiration, but it would be a much better place if bullying didn’t exist. 🌎

According to UNESCO’s Institute of Statistics, 1 out of 3 kids worldwide experience bullying.

But if we all make a conscious effort to be kind and look out for those around us, we can put a stop to it. ❤️

This has been Cavanaugh Bell’s goal since 2019!

Cavanaugh, who lives in Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA, is the youngest anti-bullying activist (male)! 👏

Aged 6 years 45 days, he founded an anti-bullying non-profit called Cool & Dope with his mum, Llacey Simmons.

He is on a mission to eradicate bullying by his 18th birthday in 2030. 📅

What would you like to achieve by the time you’re 18?

So, what inspired Cavanaugh to set up his non-profit? 💭

He told GWR: “I went to a Chinese immersion preschool, and as the only kid who didn’t speak Chinese at home, the other kids made fun of me.

“It really took a toll on my self-esteem and created a darkness inside of me that didn’t make me feel good about myself.

“I started Cool & Dope because I didn’t want other kids to ever feel the darkness that I felt.”

Cavanaugh immediately got to work on his first task, which was by no means small or easy. ✅

He attended a city council meeting and asked the mayor to consider dedicating 21 February 2019 to bullying awareness.

Cavanaugh said: “That day was significant because it was the birthday of a boy named Gabriel Taye who committed suicide due to bullying. 💕

“It was very special for me to honour him and to raise awareness about the negative impact bullying can have on people.”

Mayor Jud Ashman accepted the request and told 6-year-old Cavanaugh: “We were all incredibly moved by the thoughtfulness and articulateness and just the good idea that you had here.”

Well done, Cavanaugh! 👏

Always looking for new ways to help others, Cavanaugh quickly became an influential member of his community.

Following the outbreak of coronavirus in 2020, he voluntarily used his $600 (£440) of savings to make 71 care packages for people in need at his grandma’s senior living facility. 🥫

He then created a fundraising page and received enough donations from all over the world to set up a food pantry called Love is Greater Than COVID-19.

He raised a whopping $37,787 (£29,445) and provided over 10,000 individuals with food and supplies. 😮

How amazing is that?!

Fast forward to now, Cavanaugh is 12 years old, and he is still working towards his goal.

However, he is approaching it from the angle of his favourite sport… baseball! ⚾

What is your favourite sport?

Cavanaugh wants to share the message that anyone can be an athlete, regardless of their size. ⚽

He has even produced an online course from which a portion of the proceeds will provide training for a baseball player in need.

He shared: “I fell in love with baseball when I was 4 years old. And, when I turned 10, I told my mom that I wanted to take my game to the next level and start playing competitive travel baseball.” 💭

Cavanaugh tried out for many teams but they all rejected him. Some coaches even told him that he wasn’t “athletic enough” or “didn’t meet their conditioning standard”.

Cavanaugh believes that every kid should be given a chance, and coaches shouldn’t assume what they can and can’t do based on their appearance alone. 🧍

He explained: “I’m a huskier kid and looking at me you may not think I can pitch because I’m not tall and slim, but I’m one of the best pitchers on my team.

“People may assume I’m not fast or agile, but I’m an amazing catcher who can throw runners out. 🏃

“I really wish that coaches, scouts and even players would give all kids a chance to show their true talent on the field,” he added. “You’d be surprised how good someone is, regardless of their size.”

We asked Cavanaugh what he would tell other kids who feel like they don’t fit in or who experience bullying within sports…  💗

“Keep your head up! Try to get 1% better every day, and by the end of the year you’ll be miles ahead of your competition.

"Stay passionate about what you do and never allow someone to take your joy or love of sports from you.”

Fantastic advice! 🙌

Looking to the future, Cavanaugh has his sights on Major League Baseball (MLB)… as well as helping others, of course.

“When I make it to the MLB, I want to create another foundation called Cav’s Crew and create sports opportunities for bullied kids and those who are disadvantaged.

“I want to make sure that any kid who loves sports can play the sport they love and be in a safe, accepting and understanding environment.”

We believe in you, Cavanaugh! 😊

Reflecting on the moment he found out about his world record, Cavanaugh said: “When my mom told me, I didn’t believe her. It’s such an incredible achievement.

“I hope that it inspires someone one day to break my record and help me spread even more kindness and love in the world,” he added. 💓

Challenge time! Pick 1 thing you can do today to spread kindness.

Here are some ideas:

• Hug a family member or friend 🤗
• Give someone a compliment 😍
• Play with someone 🛝
• Help a family member with household chores 🧼

And most importantly, if you or someone you know is being bullied, tell an adult. It could be a parent, a guardian or a teacher. They can help you through any situation.

You do not have to face your problems alone.

Congratulations, Cavanaugh, you are Officially Amazing! 🎉