I just read a news story that probably half the world has read by now, but I was so impressed by it that I can't let it go without mention.

I LOVE what the Minnesota 17-year old high school student did with his new Twitter account! In case you haven't heard, he started up a Twitter account so he could send out positive and complimentary tweets regarding classmates that he noticed were being bullied. Basically, he felt the need to offset the bullying with some widespread kindness.

Seventeen-year-old Kevin Curwick, an Osseo High School football team captain, is using his Twitter account to fight cyberbullies and compliment his classmates. This is clearly a young man who feels he can use his positive influence to help people and isn't waiting until he becomes an adult to fulfill his aspirations of being a wonderful role model.

If you're not familiar with it, @OsseoNiceThings anonymously voices positive tweets such as "great artist but even a better friend," "puts others before herself..." to random classmates or anyone else on Twitter or in his personal life that he feels might need a little encouragement.

Compliments, in writing and visible for the public to see, are touching, flattering, and a wonderful "pick-me-up." With all the social media rage, it's become quite obvious how some students are quick to point out flaws, ridicule, bully, etc. But, it's just as easy to post compliments. So, a big thank you to Kevin for thinking of it.

What a fantastic use of social media.

Let's hope this outstanding concept continues to spread across the nation. From all the anti-bullying methods that I've seen yet, this is one strong competition for the bullies, and a pretty effective tool at that. I also hope that with the growth of this idea, the compliments carry over in person as students bring up tweets and repeat the compliment all over again.

Again, thank you to Kevin for reminding us positive thoughts and gestures are what make the world a happy place. Kevin's message is also a reminder of the joy that can be spread in our day-to-day communications - social media or otherwise. It doesn't take much. A tweet, a smile at the grocery store or holding the door open for someone. I hope Kevin is an inspiration to more teens and adults. I hope Kevin's influence spreads like wildfire around the country through social media and beyond.