As Halloween approaches, a new wave of kindness is sweeping the nation, with teenagers showing their generosity to strangers in heartwarming acts that are redefining the spirit of the holiday.
The Kindness of Strangers: Heartwarming Stories of Young People’s Good Deeds
During a recent experiment by the University of British Columbia, researchers deliberately lost wallets to see how many would be returned. To their surprise, almost twice as many were handed in than was predicted by people who had been surveyed for the World Happiness Report.
One such story that has been shared with the BBC is from Athena Rowley, 40, and her four-year-old son Robert. Last Halloween, they went trick-or-treating in Ipswich, Suffolk, filling up a small bucket with sweets. Robert, dressed as the CBeebies character Hey Duggee, offered the last of the sweets to six teenagers who had come knocking on their door. The teens, who looked ‘very scary,’ handed out the sweets and even hugged each other and Robert. Five minutes later, they returned.
Athena describes the scene, saying: ‘I thought, ‘oh no – I don’t have anything left.” However, when she opened the door, the kids were standing there with bags of candy to hand out to her child. The teenagers had clearly taken pity on them and wanted to make sure Robert had enough treats.
Research suggests that teenagers who engage in acts of kindness experience improved mental health and well-being.
A study by the University of California found that adolescents who volunteered regularly had lower levels of stress and anxiety.
Additionally, a survey by DoSomething.org revealed that 70% of teens believe that volunteering makes them feel happy.
Acts of kindness can range from small gestures like holding the door for someone to larger initiatives such as organizing charity events or fundraising campaigns.
This story is not an isolated incident. Jocelyn Tress, 88, and her husband Mark, 89, also experienced kindness from young people. While driving to the airport in southwest London, one of their tyres was punctured on the M25. They didn’t dare change the tyre themselves due to the speed of the traffic and rang the AA for assistance.
A young man in a white van pulled up behind them on the hard shoulder and quickly changed their tyre. Jocelyn recalls him saying: ‘When I went past and saw you were in trouble, I thought, suppose they were my granny and grandpa?‘ He would accept nothing for his kindness.
The term 'Good Samaritan' originates from the parable of a man who helped a stranger in need, as told by Jesus Christ.
The story emphasizes the importance of showing compassion and kindness to those suffering.
In many countries, the Good Samaritan law protects individuals who provide assistance, even if it leads to financial or legal consequences.
This principle is based on the idea that helping others is a fundamental human right.
According to a survey, 75% of people believe that assisting someone in distress is essential.
Jocelyn also notes that she has often been helped by young people in similar situations, such as when she fell on the pavement. She believes that, overall, young people are very helpful.
Research shows that young people who practice kindness have better mental health and well-being.
A study by the University of California found that adolescents who engaged in acts of kindness daily had higher self-esteem and life satisfaction.
Kindness can also improve relationships and social connections among youth, fostering a sense of community and belonging.
In addition, studies suggest that kindness is contagious, with young people who witness or experience kindness more likely to exhibit kind behavior themselves.
Another story of kindness comes from Sarah Marten, 66. Twenty-five years ago, while shopping at John Lewis with her children to find a leotard and tutu for her three-year-old daughter Emily, who was about to start ballet lessons. After finding the right size and style, her debit card was declined by her bank due to insufficient funds.
A man behind her in the queue stepped forward and asked how much money she needed. He opened his wallet and insisted on paying for the ballerina clothes, giving her £40. Sarah remembers him being charming and very kind, and has told others that he was an angel for her in those circumstances.
These stories highlight the kindness of strangers, particularly young people, who are often given a bad rap. Athena’s experience with Robert shows that even in unexpected situations, young people can make a positive impact on someone’s day. The Tresses’ encounter with the kind stranger on the M25 also demonstrates how one act of kindness can be a turning point in someone’s life.
The stories shared by these individuals remind us to hold onto our faith in human nature and the next generation. They show that, despite what we may hear or read, there are still many kind-hearted people out there who are willing to lend a helping hand.
