Pink Shirt Day: Small Actions, Big Impact
Wednesday, February 25, is Pink Shirt Day, a nationwide reminder that kindness is not optional. By wearing pink at school or work, Canadians show support for those who have experienced bullying and commit to creating safer spaces in classrooms, workplaces, and online communities.
Bullying is not just a playground issue. It shows up at school, at work, and across social media feeds. It can be loud and obvious or quiet and isolating. Either way, it leaves a mark.
What the numbers tell us
Recent data highlights why awareness still matters:
Canadian teachers rank cyberbullying as their top concern
More than half of bullied children never report it to a teacher
Fighting behaviour has increased since 2002, especially in Grades 6 to 8
Up to 18% of boys and 8% of girls report being in four or more fights in a year
Boys are more likely to experience physical bullying, while girls experience more indirect forms, including online harassment
Bullying peaks for boys in Grade 9 at 47%, and for girls in Grades 6, 8, and 9 at 37%
Over 80% of bullying incidents happen in front of peers
When a bystander steps in, bullying stops within 10 seconds 57% of the time
More facts and research are available through the Canadian Red Cross.
What counts as bullying
Bullying is aggression involving a power imbalance. One person holds physical, social, or psychological power over another. The impact goes far beyond bruised feelings. It can lead to anxiety, low self-esteem, and depression.
Common forms include:
Physical bullying: hitting, pushing, or other physical harm
Verbal bullying: name-calling, insults, threats
Social or relational bullying: exclusion, gossip, reputation damage
Cyberbullying: harassment or intimidation through digital platforms
Definitions and educational materials are provided by the Canadian Red Cross.
So how do we stop it?
Here’s the encouraging part. Bullying is not unstoppable. It often ends when someone intervenes. That moment does not require a grand speech. It can be as simple as speaking up, checking in with someone, or refusing to participate.
Respect for differences is the real long game. Communities grow stronger when individuality is accepted rather than targeted. Imagine how dull things would be if everyone were identical. Variety is the point.
Parents, teachers, and students all play a role. Conversations at home matter. Clear expectations at school matter. Peer support matters. Guidance from groups like the American Psychological Association offers practical strategies for prevention and response.
Learn more and take part
Pink Shirt Day is more than a colour choice. It is a visible commitment to kindness and accountability. For resources, support tools, and ways to participate, visit Pink Shirt Day.
Because sometimes changing the culture starts with something as simple as what you wear. And sometimes, ten seconds of courage is all it takes.
