Pink Shirt Day is an annual observation that takes place on the last Wednesday of February and this year, it falls on February 22. The aim is to raise awareness among people about the prevention of bullying. We are here to show you how you can observe the day the right way. Do you know that it has been more than 15 years since Pink Shirt Day was created in Canada? Pink Shirt Day is a day dedicated to the fight against bullying experienced by kids in schools, neighborhoods, and homes. People observe this day by wearing the official Pink Shirt from C.K.N.W. Kids’ Fund and advocating for bullying prevention and awareness.
History of Pink Shirt Day
The story of the origins of Pink Shirt Day is a heart-warming one. In 2006, in Nova Scotia, a boy in grade nine was being bullied by his peers for wearing a pink shirt. Some students like David Shepherd, Travis Price, and other classmates decided to take a stand against the bullying experienced by their friend.The friends brought 50 pink T-shirts and the next day, they carried them to school in a plastic bag and distributed pink shirts to all the boys in their class. The boy who was bullied entered the classroom, and lo and behold! The whole class was wearing pink T-shirts. The boy was stunned. He was happy. Travis Price said, “The boy’s face spoke volumes. It was as if a huge burden was lifted off his shoulders.”After this incident, the C.K.N.W. Kids’ Fund initiated Pink Shirt Day to be celebrated every year to take a stance against bullying. Volunteers wore pink shirts and rallies were organized. Since then, many countries have followed this path. Bullying is prevalent in homes, schools, and playgrounds in almost all parts of the world and nations have come together to fight against it. The website pinkshirtday.ca offers users a variety of resources to make taking part in Pink Shirt Day easier. The website is a great resource for parents and teachers and has great materials available.
Pink Shirt Day timeline
The C.K.N.W. Fund is founded to raise money for the Loyal Protestant Home, an orphanage.
The C.K.N.W. Orphanage Fund is renamed the C.K.N.W. Kids' Fund.
Ninth-grade students take up a stance by wearing pink shirts to support their classmate who was bullied for wearing a pink shirt.
Pink Shirt Day is created by the C.K.N.W. Kids' Fund to raise awareness on the prevention of bullying.
Pink Shirt Day FAQs
What are anti-bullying campaigns?
Bullying is an obstacle that kids and adults deal with daily. Anti-bullying campaigns are a way to bring awareness to the community. They also provide hope by giving the bullied a place to turn to.
What are the best ways to approach bullying?
One of the best ways to approach bullying is a cohesive anti-bullying campaign in a school. The members of the community stand up against bullying and do not support it.
How do we implement anti-bullying policies in schools?
The policy must be communicated to teachers, parents, and learners. It must be activated school-wide. Unacceptable behaviors must not be tolerated, and learners who need counseling must be accommodated.
How to Observe Pink Shirt Day
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Wear a Pink Shirt
What better way to observe Pink Shirt Day than to wear a Pink Shirt and stand against bullying? Buy the official merchandise from the Pink Shirt Day website and take part in the campaign.
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Share it on social media
Let everyone know that you are observing this day. Take pics of you wearing pink shirts and attending the pink shirt day campaign with closed ones, and share them on your social media page. You can write articles about Pink Shirt Day and post them online.
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Read more about Pink Shirt Day history
Use this day to improve your knowledge. Read more about how the story of how Pink Shirt Day came into existence. You can also read more about the ninth-grade kids who were the inspiration behind the creation of Pink Shirt Day.
5 Facts About Bullying That Will Blow Your Mind
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Many are bullied
Data shows that one in five kids of age 10 to 12 is bullied in schools.
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Verbal bullying is most prevalent
It is said that out of all forms of bullying, verbal bullying is the most common form of bullying.
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The staff see it
It is said that 70% of the staff have seen bullying incidents in schools.
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Physical appearance most targeted
Bullying based on physical appearance is the most common kind.
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Many skip school
It is believed that about 1,60,000 students in the U.S. have skipped school because of bullying.
Why Pink Shirt Day is Important
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It gives us a chance to raise awareness
Thousands of children and teens drop out of school due to bullying at school. This day gives us a chance to raise awareness against bullying and fight it.
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It gives us a chance to help others
This day is a reminder to help our close ones who might be experiencing bullying. This day is a reminder to reach out and let out a lending hand to those in need.
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It gives us a chance to improve our knowledge
This is also a day of learning. Read about bullying in your area. As you dig deeper into history, you may stumble upon facts that you might have never known otherwise.
Pink Shirt Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | February 23 | Wednesday |
| 2023 | February 22 | Wednesday |
| 2024 | February 28 | Wednesday |
| 2025 | February 26 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | February 25 | Wednesday |
