In today’s world, bullying is everywhere—schools, social media, workplaces, and even within families. It’s heartbreaking, and for many, it can feel like an inescapable part of life. But occasionally, someone comes along who changes the narrative—not through force or loud words, but through kindness, faith, and an unshakable sense of purpose. Carlo Acutis was one of those people.
Carlo Acutis was quite unlike the average teenager. His had an intense love for the Eucharist and a deep faith that guided every aspect of his life. The way he treated others was different. In a time when so many kids struggled with bullying, loneliness, and self-doubt, Carlo stood out as a beacon of kindness and compassion.
He wasn’t loud, nor did he seek attention, but he had a quiet strength that made an impact. He often stood up for classmates who were being bullied, helped friends navigate personal struggles, used his passion for computers to spread messages of faith. Carlo lived by a simple but profound motto: All people are born as originals, but many die as photocopies. He refused to copy the world’s negativity.
Bullying is often fuelled by insecurity, fear, or a desire to control others. But Carlo understood something that many don’t—love disarms cruelty. He made a conscious choice to show kindness to everyone, even those who were unkind to him.
Friends and classmates recall how Carlo always noticed when someone was feeling left out or hurt. He would go out of his way to include them, to offer a kind word, or just be there as a friend. He had no tolerance for cruelty but never fought back with malice. Instead, he met hostility with kindness, exclusion with inclusion, and negativity with faith.
His actions spoke volumes. When he saw someone being bullied, he didn’t turn a blind eye. Instead, he would intervene—not with anger, but with genuine concern and support. This wasn’t an act of passive resistance; it was a powerful statement that kindness is stronger than cruelty.
Carlo died in 2006 at just 15 years old, but his legacy continues to resonate, especially in today’s digital age. Social media, for all its positives, has become a breeding ground for cyberbullying. People hide behind screens and say things they would never dare to say in person. Teens (and adults) deal with online harassment, comparison culture, and the pressure to fit in—pressure that can lead to deep emotional and mental health struggles, and even worse, varying degrees of self-harm, even suicide.
If Carlo were alive today, how would he navigate this world? Based on his life, we can make some strong guesses:
– He would use social media as a tool for good. Carlo was passionate about technology and created websites to spread awareness about the Eucharist. Today, he would likely be the person spreading positivity, encouraging others, and using his platform to uplift instead of tear down.
–He wouldn’t seek validation online. Many people struggle with self-worth because of likes, follows, and comments. Carlo knew that real validation comes from within and from God, not from social media approval.
– He would stand up for those being attacked. Just like in real life, Carlo wouldn’t tolerate online bullying. He would be the one leaving kind comments, privately messaging someone who seemed to be struggling, or reminding people that their worth isn’t defined by harsh words or online drama.
Carlo’s life is a reminder that we don’t have to be famous or powerful to make a difference. Sometimes, the greatest impact comes from simply choosing kindness every day. Here are a few lessons we can take from him:
1. Be kind even when it’s hard. It’s easy to be kind to people who are nice to us, but Carlo showed kindness even to those who weren’t. That’s where real strength lies.
2. Stand up for others. If you see someone being bullied, don’t just look away. Whether in person or online, speak up, offer support, and show them they’re not alone.
3. Use technology for good. Carlo was a computer whiz who used his skills to share his faith. In today’s world, we can use social media and technology to spread positivity, not hate.
4. Don’t let negativity define you. Whether it’s online hate, school bullies, or even self-doubt, don’t let the negativity of others shape your self-worth. Carlo knew his value wasn’t determined by others’ opinions, and neither is yours.
5. Live with purpose. Carlo lived with the intention of making the world better in whatever small ways he could. We can do the same by choosing love over hate, inclusion over exclusion, and kindness over cruelty.
6. Put God first. Carlo’s lived out his faith in a simple practical way. He believed that a true follower of Christ should strive to imitate His teachings and example. Carlo was filled with love like Jesus who loved to the point of giving up His life.
Carlo Acutis was beatified in 2020, officially recognized by the Catholic Church as someone whose life serves as a model for others. He will be canonised on the 27th of April 2025, raising him to the status of one of the Saints. Regardless of your religious beliefs, his story is one that anyone can learn from. He wasn’t perfect, he wasn’t trying to be famous, and he certainly wasn’t immune to the struggles that all teens face. But he made choices—simple, everyday choices—that left a lasting impact on the people around him.
Bullying won’t disappear overnight, and neither will the challenges of social media, school, or work environments. But we each have the power to choose how we respond. We can fight cruelty with cruelty, or we can follow the example of people like Carlo Acutis—people who remind us that kindness, faith, and compassion are the real superpowers in a world that so desperately needs them.