Support bullying prevention on Pink Shirt Day

Pink Shirt Day began when two young students in Nova Scotia supported a classmate who was being bullied for wearing a pink shirt. The initiative is now an international movement, and Albertans celebrate it every year.

This year, everyone is encouraged to wear pink and share pictures of themselves on social media using the hashtags #PinkShirtDay and #EndBullyingAB to help raise awareness about bullying and the ways people can get help.

“Bullying has no place in our schools, workplaces or communities. I am proud to work with our many community partners to support Pink Shirt Day. By wearing pink, we are saying that bullying is not an acceptable part of our lives – at work, at home or online.”

“We’re proud to support Pink Shirt Day and promote welcoming, caring, respectful and safe schools for all students. Students are better able to achieve success and a positive sense of self when learning environments support them to build healthy relationships with others, value diversity, and demonstrate respect, empathy and compassion. Our government does not tolerate bullying and we will always stand up for Alberta students.”

Get help

If you or someone you know is being bullied:

• Call the 24-hour Bullying Helpline (1-888-456-2323), or
• Use the Alberta.ca/BullyingChat available daily from noon to 8 p.m.
• Get more information at Alberta.ca/bullying.

Take action

Promote healthy relationships by:

• Setting an example for others.
• Taking responsibility for your mistakes.
• Telling someone if you are being bullied or witness bullying.
• Listening to those who are experiencing bullying, providing support and encouraging them to seek help.
• Being respectful, kind and supportive of others.

Quick facts

• According to Statistics Canada:
  • One in five Canadians aged 15-29 report being cyberbullied.
  • One in five children is affected by bullying.
  • Women face a higher risk of being bullied than men.
  • 85 per cent of bullying happens in front of others.