As a 10-year-old, I understand the difficulties children my age face while trying to forge new friendships. In an era that is increasingly digital, children and teenagers across Washington State should have the ability to connect and interact in a safe and supportive platform.

The solution lies in creating a "Buddy System" program that could be easily accessed from any point in Washington. This program would serve as an online bridge, connecting children and teens across our state. With profiles made by users, a calculated system could suggest potential friends, overcoming the physical distance between us, even if we are more than 2,000,000 miles apart - emotional distance doesn't have to be the limiting factor anymore. More so, it will also cater to already established friends with an option to switch to a different profile mode to avoid unnecessary recommendations.

Such platforms can positively influence the social development of young individuals, as a study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) indicates that having friends can contribute significantly to children's mental and emotional health.

Let’s ensure that no kid in Washington is alone, that every child has a friend to share their experiences with, laugh with, and learn with. Let's make this virtual Buddy System a reality for the children in the State of Washington. Please sign this petition to show your support for the Buddy System. Let's bring children closer, let's build stronger bonds. Let's make some memories without sitting by yourself at lunch! <3