Teenager launches app to help students find lunch buddies and battle bullying
Natalie Hampton, 16, created Sit With Us in a bid to quash school lunchtime bullying. (Carolyn Hampton Photography/Carolyn Hampton)
A US teen who experienced isolation and bullying at school has recently released an app she hopes will foster companionship and safety at lunchtime.
Sixteen-year-old Natalie Hampton from Los Angeles, California, launched the app called Sit With Us last week, LA Daily News reports.
Users of the app can login and join lunch groups at their school anonymously, guarding students against the possibility of rejection while helping to counter bullying.
Natalie said she was inspired to create the app after she was bullied in years seven and eight, an experience which caused her stress, depression and other enduring health issues.
Natalie told NPR Radio that since releasing Sit With Us, she has already seen users posting “open lunches” at her school.
“I’m very excited that things are already kicking off with a great start,” she said.
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