Positivity Pizza: A Unique Anti-Bullying Initiative in Singapore

In a heartwarming display of community spirit, young people in Singapore’s Punggol area queued up at Punggol 21 Community Club on 23 March to receive a small but meaningful token: a crocheted keychain shaped like a smiling pizza. Dubbed the “positivity pizza,” these handmade items are more than just trinkets—they are symbols of hope and a reminder to speak out against bullying.

The Positivity Pizza Initiative, launched by Member of Parliament (MP) Yeo Wan Ling, who represents Pasir Ris-Punggol Group Representation Constituency (GRC), aims to address the growing concern of mental wellness among youth, particularly in the context of cyberbullying and online harms. Over the past 18 months, volunteers have crafted around 20,000 of these keychains, with more than 3,000 already distributed to children and teenagers in Punggol. The initiative seeks to encourage young people to seek help when they face adversity, with plans to hand out more in the coming weeks.

A Personal Inspiration

At the launch event, Ms Yeo shared the deeply personal story that inspired the initiative. She recounted a conversation with a 13-year-old resident of Punggol who confided in her about thoughts of self-harm after enduring bullying at school. “As I was trying to counsel her and let her talk through her emotions, the girl suddenly saw a rabbit keychain on my bag and asked if she could have it” Ms Yeo recalled. After handing over the keychain, the girl told her it would serve as a reminder that someone cared for her.

This poignant moment planted the seed for the Positivity Pizza Initiative. “Now, when young people hold the pizza keychain, I want them to know that there are people out there who care” Ms Yeo said. “I want to give them the strength and courage to stick up their hand and speak to someone when something bad has happened.”

The initiative has struck a chord in a community increasingly aware of the challenges young people face in the digital age. With cyberbullying becoming a pervasive issue, the keychains act as a tangible symbol of support, reminding recipients that they are not alone and that help is always within reach.

Community Rallying Together

Ms Yeo, who oversees Punggol Shore within the Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC, emphasised the collective effort behind the project. “There was a growing concern about mental wellness of youth in the community, especially in the area of cyberbullying and online harms” she explained. “Our community rallied together to tackle this concern with the messaging of positivity and assurance that the community always stands ready to offer its help to every youth.”

The handmade nature of the keychains adds a personal touch, with each one crafted by volunteers who dedicated months to the cause. Their efforts reflect a broader commitment to fostering a supportive environment for young people, particularly in addressing issues that can often go unnoticed until they escalate.

A Small Token, A Big Message

The “positivity pizza” keychains are not just a creative idea but a powerful tool for mental health advocacy. By placing these small symbols in the hands of children and teenagers, the initiative hopes to break the silence surrounding bullying and encourage open conversations. For many recipients, the keychain serves as a daily reminder that they have a community ready to listen and support them.

As the initiative gains traction, it also highlights the role of local leaders in addressing societal challenges at a grassroots level. Ms Yeo’s personal involvement and the community’s response underscore the importance of empathy and connection in tackling complex issues like mental wellness.

For the young people of Punggol, the smiling pizza keychain is more than a quirky accessory—it’s a beacon of hope. As more of these tokens find their way into the hands of those who need them most, the message of positivity continues to spread, one keychain at a time.