In a particularly turbulent week in global affairs, the choice of ‘kindness’ as Oxford Children’s Word of the Year for 2024 offers a reminder of the hope we carry for younger generations. More than 6,000 children aged 6-14 were asked to select the word they think best summed up 2024 as part of research conducted by the Oxford University Press (OUP). The choice of ‘kindness’, which was selected by 61% of the youngsters asked, reflects a growing awareness among young people of the impact of mental health, and the contribution kindness can make to mental wellbeing. “We know from previous years that young people are very conscious of the big issues that can divide us as a society and attuned to the important role which language can play in bringing people together,” said Andrea Quincey, director of early years and primary publishing at OUP. One child said: “Everyone you meet is fighting a battle we know nothing about. We should treat everyone with kindness. You never truly know how much it could help someone.”

Read Full Story


More: