In a world that thrives on connection and compassion, one young voice is leading the charge against bullying — and he’s been doing it since he was just six years old.
Meet Cavanaugh Bell, a passionate and determined child from Gaithersburg, Maryland, who holds the world record as the youngest male anti-bullying activist. At just 6 years and 45 days old, Cavanaugh launched his own non-profit organization, Cool & Dope, alongside his mother, Llacey Simmons, in 2019.
Now 12 years old, Cavanaugh continues to work tirelessly to achieve his goal of eradicating bullying by his 18th birthday in 2030.
Inspired by his own experience with bullying and his desire to make the world a kinder place, Cavanaugh decided he wouldn’t wait until adulthood to make a difference. Instead, he created a platform to raise awareness, support victims, and encourage kids to “be cool, not cruel.”
“I just want everyone to feel like they belong. If we all try to be kind, bullying doesn’t stand a chance,” said Cavanaugh in a recent interview.
According to UNESCO’s Institute for Statistics, 1 in 3 children worldwide experiences bullying, a crisis that affects mental health, education, and childhood development. Cavanaugh’s mission is more than symbolic — it’s a global call to action.
- Hosted school assemblies and kindness rallies
- Distributed thousands of care packages to bullied and underserved kids
- Partnered with local and national organizations to promote empathy in schools
- Inspired millions on social media with messages of hope, inclusion, and strength
His efforts have earned him global recognition, media coverage, and, most importantly, the admiration of kids and families around the world.
As Cavanaugh marches forward in his mission, he reminds us all of a simple truth: You don’t have to be big to do big things. You just have to care.
