In order to learn, all students need to feel that they are safe and secure in their learning environments. When they experience bullying, this can take a huge toll on their learning and social development. You know the old adage “It’s never too late to change?” Well, this second grader can teach us all a thing or two about the meaning of this phrase when it comes to bullying.

Looking at the sweet face of seven-year-old Cameron Thompson, you probably think that he was the one getting bullied, when in fact he was the one doing the bullying. When a fellow classmate and little boy brought a Barbie doll to school for show-and-tell, Thompson gathered a group of boys together to make fun of him because he thought it was funny that a boy brought a doll to school.

When Thompson’s parents found out about the incident, his mother immediately contacted the boy’s parents to express her regret and apologize. But, once Thompson’s parents took this situation and created a teachable moment, explaining to him that what he did was wrong and why, Thompson wanted to do more.

Thompson’s idea? To start an anti-bully club at his school. He wanted to make up for what he did and make the boy feel better, too.

Cameron and the boy he bullied are now friends, playing together at recess and eating lunch together. I bet this is the start of a life-time friendship.