Anti-Bullying Day

The last Wednesday of February is known as Anti-Bullying Day in Canada. It's also known as "Pink Shirt Day". Originally started as a protest against a bullying incident at a Nova Scotia high school (Central Kings Rural High School). On this day participants are asked to wear pink to symbolize a stand against bullying.[1]

The original event was organized by David Shepherd and Travis Price. They bought and distributed 50 pink shirts after a student was bullied for wearing a pink shirt on the first day of school.[2]

In 2008, Premier of British Columbia, Gordon Campbell proclaimed February 27 to be the provincial anti-bullying day.[3] It was then celebrated on February 25 in 2009. In 2009, the boys and girls club work on pink T-shirts that saids "Bullying Stops Here." and "Pink Shirt Day" for Anti-Bullying Day.[4]

Activities

Anti-bullying day consists of a number of different fun activities that can be at schools, work places, or anywhere acceptable. some of the known activities are: Battle of the Bands: People can invite local bands to perform in the name of abolishing bullying. It is encouraged that the bands could possible write a song about preventing bullying. The crowd can than get involved by voting on the best song, based on creativity and focus. Competitions: Students can create an anti-bullying message presented in an imaginative way e.g. on a t-shirt, poster, bumper sticker, pocket card, badge, or magnet. Display for the community to see, sucha s the school, neighbors, anyone you can think of to spread the word. Information: People can partner up, help create a booth on a certain group, organization, or information on bullying to help the community in understanding how bad bullying can be, and what organizations are out there, such as Tune it Out,[5] and much more. PACER[6] Shirt and Hat Stall This stand can consist of shirts and other clothing items with messages that spread love not hate. They can be self made and designed by the community, or ordered from a different site, either way it gets the message across. This Stall can help get the word out about not bullying, one person can change many, many can change a state, a state can change the nation, and the nation can change the world. Beading stall Beading is fun and provides a way for young people to wear their anti-bullying message in a cool way. Local Craft stores, bead shops, or anywhere else you can think of may be able to donate beads for the cause, it is always worth a try. Beading can help relief stress, while still offering a good amount of help toward anti-bullying messages.[7]

See also

References