Second-grader Christian Bucks, of York, Pa., knew that some of his classmates felt lonely during recess, and he decided to do something about it. His simple, utterly heartwarming solution was to install a playground "buddy bench."

As reported by the York Daily Record, a buddy bench is a designated seating area where students feeling lonely or upset can seek camaraderie. The area is customarily painted in bright, inviting colors.

Christian first spotted a buddy bench in a brochure for a school in Germany, according to the Record. He pitched the idea to Roundtown Elementary School Principal Matthew Miller, who immediately got on board. Miller even let Christian help pick the bench's style and colors.

Christian told the Record that he hopes the bench will help "grow our dream circle of friends."

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Christian Bucks, right, uses a digital presentation to explain the buddy bench project to his classmates.

Christian isn't the only student to think his school playground could benefit from these kinds of fixtures. Last month, St. Catharine’s Primary School in Chipping Campden, England, installed its very own buddy bench to facilitate playground friendship, according to area news outlet Cotswold Journal. Students received the bench enthusiastically, and Headteacher Joanne Welch spoke glowingly of the project.

“It is lovely to see the children demonstrate such care for each other," Welch told the Journal. "So many lifelong friendships of course start in the school playground.”