Today is Pink Shirt Day, an event created to prevent and raise awareness around bullying, fostering more inclusive environments in schools and workplaces worldwide. This movement originated in Canada has evolved into a global symbol of unity against bullying, promoting empathy and a culture of acceptance. Stigma-Free Society celebrates Pink Shirt Day annually, and we are excited to share resources from our Student Mental Health Toolkit for educators and school staff to provide anti-bullying, stigma, and mental health education in their schools!
Thank you to the CKNW Pink Shirt Day Fund for being a donor of Stigma-Free Society over the years. We are grateful for your support and generosity.
Pink Shirt Day began in 2007 when two students took a stand against bullying. After a fellow student had been bullied for wearing a pink shirt to school, these courageous individuals decided to make a difference. They wore pink shirts to school to show their support for the student who had been bullied and distributed pink shirts to their classmates, encouraging them to join in.
This act of kindness sparked the movement that now sees people around the world wearing pink to represent their dedication to preventing bullying. Pink Shirt Day serves as a reminder of the impact that bullying has on many individuals and communities and emphasizes the need for compassion and understanding. This movement aligns seamlessly with the mission of our charity: to eradicate stigma and offer educational tools that provide pathways to change.
Anti-Bullying Resources for Educators and School Staff
At Stigma-Free Society, our programs and resources are designed to empower individuals through education, creating a world where no one is stigmatized for any aspect of their identity. To support educators and school staff in their efforts to prevent bullying, we proudly present the resources from our Student Mental Health Toolkit. One such resource is our anti-bullying lesson plan, Speaking Up For Ourselves and Others: The Hero’s Journey, created for students in grades 4-7. Addressing English Language and Health Education competencies, this lesson sparks discussion among students about how they can take action when they witness bullying or other harmful behaviour. It also equips them with tools to stand up for themselves if they are bullied.
Additionally, our downloadable resource, “How to Be an Upstander: What to Do When You Witness Bullying,” equips students with practical tools to stand up against bullying in their schools and report or intervene in a safe way if they witness bullying. Educators and school counsellors can use this informative, easy-to-understand resource as a guide or handout for students who have witnessed bullying and provide direction for how they can support their peers.
For a comprehensive set of resources that combat bullying, dismantle stigma, and provide mental health education, we invite educators and school staff to register for no-cost access to our Student Mental Health Toolkit. There, you can browse a wealth of accessible resources designed to create a safer and more inclusive environment for students.
Let’s Take a Stand Against Bullying
By joining forces against bullying, we are not only fostering a culture of acceptance but also working towards a world where mental health is prioritized, and stigma no longer affects students. Every day is an opportunity to stand up against bullying and create positive change, and Pink Shirt Day encourages us to spread this message throughout our school communities and beyond.
By: Monique Zizzo
