First Lady Announces “Be Best” Campaign for Children

What’s the story?

• First Lady Melania Trump has launched a campaign to teach children “the importance of social, emotional, and physical health.”

The pillars of the campaign

• The “Be Best” campaign will focus on three main pillars: well-being, social media use, and opioid abuse.
• "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 behavior such as bullying, drug addiction or even suicide,” the first lady said.

"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.”

What’s the plagiarism controversy?

• When the Be Best website launched on Monday, it included a page that read “Parents, click here to read Talking with Kids about Being Online, a booklet by First Lady Melania Trump and the Federal Trade Commission.”
• However, beyond an opening letter by Melania Trump, the pamphlet was nearly identical to a document first published by the FTC during the Obama administration.

• Following a backlash on social media, and allegations of plagiarism, the website’s language was updated to read: “Parents, click here to read 'Talking with Kids about Being Online,' a Federal Trade Commission booklet, promoted by First Lady Melania Trump."

What do you think?

Do you like the First Lady’s choice of agenda? Should Congress do more to foster children’s well-being, combat cyber-bullying, and address the opioid crisis? Hit Take Action and tell your reps, then share your thoughts below.

—Josh Herman

(Photo Credit: WhiteHouse.gov/bebest)