Swedish children's show 'Sommarlov' champions kindness as summer superpower

In Malmö, Sweden, the set of "Sommarlov" buzzes with a cheerful, slightly chaotic energy as the five hosts prepare for this year's "Summer Shadow Hunt." Their chosen theme for the season is "kindness," which they've dubbed the "superpower of the summer."

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I had a really hard time making friends when I was little, so it feels extra special to be a part of it this year. Many children need this.

"Socialstyrelsen has released a report detailing increased stress, anxiety, sadness, loneliness, and feelings of not belonging among elementary school children," explained host Malin Olsson. To combat this, the show is launching a "friendship club" designed to be inclusive for all.

The "Sommarlov" team has set an ambitious goal: for children across Sweden to collectively earn one million "friendship points." Host Ken Gerhardsson outlined the system: "You can say hello to someone you don't know and get a point. Or play a game with someone and get three points." More significant acts, like standing up for a friend or surprising someone in need, are worth five points, which can be logged via the SVT Duo app.

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Socialstyrelsen has released a report detailing increased stress, anxiety, sadness, and loneliness, and feelings of not belonging among elementary school children.

Lizette Edfeldt, a new host and familiar face to many children from "Lilla Aktuellt," spoke about her own childhood experiences. "I often sat alone in the summer, so they were my summer friends," she recalled, referring to the "Sommarlov" show. She frequently receives personal messages from children feeling lonely or excluded. "This year's theme feels very nice and important because I've truly seen how many children need it," Edfeldt said, her voice catching with emotion. She shared that children ask for advice on making friends or express feelings of not belonging.

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You can say hello to someone you don't know and get a point. Or play a game with someone and get three points.

"I also had a really hard time making friends when I was little, so it feels extra special to be a part of it this year. Many children need this," Edfeldt added. Her co-host Malin Olsson echoed this sentiment, drawing from her own past experiences of feeling left out. "The feeling of not being included is hard to carry, so for me, 'Sommarlov' feels extra important this year," Olsson stated.

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This year's theme feels very nice and important because I've truly seen how many children need it.