Pink Shirt Day: Promoting Kindness and Raising Awareness Against Bullying

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As Pink Shirt Day approaches on February 26, Canadians are being encouraged to wear pink to promote kindness and raise awareness against bullying. The City of Richmond, Richmond School District, Richmond Fire-Rescue, and the Richmond RCMP are all participating in the event, with Richmond firefighters donning pink epaulettes in solidarity. The movement, which originated in 2007 when two high school students in Nova Scotia distributed pink shirts to their fellow students after a Grade 9 student was bullied for wearing a pink shirt to school, has grown into an international anti-bullying movement. This year's theme, "Let Kindness Grow," asks individuals to consider how they can cultivate a community of kindness in their own relationships through small acts of kindness, such as offering support or a place to listen, sharing a snack, or saying hello to people.

Experts from Brock University's Research on Aggression and Victimization Experiences (BRAVE) team are weighing in on the importance of creating lasting change to address bullying in youth and adults. According to Ann Farrell, Assistant Professor of Child and Youth Studies, at least 20 per cent of youth in Canada experience bullying, with Canada ranking among the countries with the highest rates of bullying. Tony Volk, Professor of Child and Youth Studies, emphasizes that creating lasting change requires more than just wearing a pink shirt once a year, but rather a fundamental shift in how we approach mental health and bullying prevention. He urges people to think of mental health like the bones of the body, where too much stress can lead to permanent damage. Volk also highlights the importance of adults modeling positive behavior, as teens often take cues from the people they view as important, such as parents, politicians, or celebrities.

The BRAVE team's research has shown that childhood bullying can lead to school absenteeism, poorer educational outcomes, and mental health difficulties in adulthood, including depression, anxiety, and somatization. Societal norms and cultures can contribute to the high rates of bullying in Canada, with a culture of competition and coercion contributing to bullying, whereas a culture of kindness, inclusion, and co-operation can reduce bullying. Creating change begins with encouraging kindness in everyday life, says Child and Youth Studies Postdoctoral Fellow Natalie Spadafora, whose recent research shows that rude behavior spiked in Ontario classrooms following the COVID-19 pandemic. Civility may seem like a simple concept, but it plays a large role in the everyday functioning of society, with small acts of kindness, such as using manners, opening a door for someone, and giving someone your full attention, making a difference in day-to-day lives and relationships.

To participate in Pink Shirt Day, individuals can wear a pink shirt, paint their nails pink, or wear a pink friendship bracelet. The focus is less on doing the "exact right thing" and more on reflecting on how to incorporate solidarity with peers into self-expression. This can start small, such as offering to share notes with someone who missed class, packing an extra snack to offer support, or simply asking someone if they're okay. If you witness mistreatment, do what you can to minimize harm, and consider asking those most impacted by the event what support would be best for them. By coming together to promote kindness and raise awareness against bullying, Canadians can create a more supportive and inclusive community, and help to prevent the long-term effects of bullying.

In addition to wearing pink, individuals can also participate in Pink Shirt Day by engaging in activities and initiatives that promote kindness and inclusion. This can include volunteering at local organizations that support bullying prevention, participating in fundraising campaigns, or simply spreading awareness about the importance of kindness and empathy. By working together, Canadians can create a culture of kindness and respect, where everyone feels valued and supported. As the University of Alberta's Terrence notes, Pink Shirt Day is a way to acknowledge and address harm experienced by community members for their self-expression, and to stand in solidarity with those who have been affected by bullying. By participating in Pink Shirt Day, individuals can help to create a more compassionate and inclusive community, and promote a culture of kindness that extends far beyond a single day.