Trump unveils official initiative as first lady
Melania Trump unveiled her official initiative as first lady on Monday, following in the footsteps of other modern first ladies who focused on their passions.
Laura Bush championed literacy. Michelle Obama was an advocate for fitness. Trump will focus on good behaviour on social media as part of a broader initiative that will focus on the overall well-being of children.
In recent months Trump had backed away from her initial promise to combat cyberbullying after the criticism levelled at her husband for his own brand of online insults.
Knowing she would get criticized if she pursued anything related to social media, the president suggested she take an easier path. But Melania Trump ultimately decided to make good online behaviour a part of something broader. Trump on Monday gave her multi-pronged effort to promote the well-being of children with a minimalist new motto: “BE BEST.”
The first l ady formally launched her long-awaited initiative after more than a year of reading to children, learning about babies born addicted to drugs and hosting a White House conversation on cyberbullying.
“As a mother and as first lady, it concerns me that in today’s fast-paced and ever-connected world, children can be less prepared to express or manage their emotions and oftentimes turn to forms of destructive or addictive behaviour,” she said in prepared remarks.
“I feel strongly that as adults, we can and should ‘be best’ at educating our children about the importance of a healthy and balanced life,” Mrs. Trump said.
The first lady said early on that she would focus on child wellbeing. The goal of her public awareness campaign is to encourage parents and other adults to teach children how to be good citizens, including being kind, not bullying on social media or anywhere else, staying away from drugs and taking care of themselves.
The campaign will focus on well-being, social media and opioid abuse, she said.
“If we truly listen to what our kids have to say, whether it be their concerns or ideas, adults can provide them the support and tools they need to grow up to be happy and productive adults who contribute positively to society and their global communities,” said Trump, who made the announcement in the White House Rose Garden as U.S. President Donald Trump looked on from the audience.
During nearly 16 months as first lady, Melania Trump demonstrated her interest in children by visiting with young hospital patients in the U.S. and during overseas trips with the president, often reading to them and encouraging them to do their best.
Her interest in the opioid drug crisis, developed during the presidential campaign, has taken her to care centres and hospitals in West Virginia and Ohio to learn about the epidemic’s effect on babies born to mothers addicted to the powerful painkillers. In March, she hosted representatives of the major online and social media companies at the White House to discuss internet safety.