Today marks Pink Shirt Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness for anti-bullying initiatives and reminding children who are struggling that they are not alone.
The initiative began when a group of friends in Nova Scotia wore pink shirts in solidarity with a fellow student who was being bullied for wearing one.
Schools across the Peace Region are participating this year, including Pouce Coupe Elementary School, where a design contest was held this month. Mayor Danielle Veach met with students today and tried on the winning design, thanking staff for inspiring students through creativity.
According to the 2019 Canadian Health Survey on Children and Youth, 71% of youth aged 12 to 17 reported experiencing at least one form of bullying the year prior, with one in four reporting being cyberbullied.
Northern Lights College took to social media to encourage students to take a moment to check in with family, friends, and co-workers to spread kindness and uplift one another.
While Premier David Eby also released a statement on the 18th anniversary of the day, emphasizing that bullying has no place in schools, on the streets, or at home.
“Our government is committed to making sure that every student in every community in B.C. feels safe and supported – at school and at home," said Eby.
Since 2008, the Pink Shirt Day organization has raised over $3 million for youth anti-bullying programs.
Last year, people in nearly 180 countries celebrated Pink Shirt Day.