Viva Vitality: Standing Together Against Bullying
By Taneil Zanidean
Bullying is an experience that is all too common. An estimated one in five young people are affected by bullying during adolescence. Bullying is a form of aggression rooted in a power imbalance, where one person exerts control or dominance over another, causing lasting emotional, social and psychological harm.
As we approach Pink Shirt Day on February 25, we are reminded of the importance of promoting kindness, inclusivity and respect. By wearing pink shirts, people across Alberta and beyond show their commitment to standing up against bullying in schools, online spaces and workplaces.
Pink Shirt Day is observed annually on the last Wednesday of February. It began in Canada in 2007 after a powerful act in Nova Scotia, where two Grade 12 students organized the purchase and distribution of 50 pink shirts to support a Grade 9 student who was bullied for wearing pink. That simple act sparked a movement that continues to inspire change.
Pink Shirt Day encourages us to be inclusive, welcoming and supportive of colleagues, clients, friends and family. Building healthy relationships is one of the most effective ways to prevent bullying and create environments where everyone feels safe, valued and respected.
Getting involved is easy. Wear your pink shirt and consider taking part in one or more of the following activities:
Share awareness about Pink Shirt Day (February 25) on social media
Start conversations about bullying prevention with friends, family or coworkers
Host a Pink Shirt Day–themed event in your school, workplace or community
Another meaningful way to raise awareness is through acts of kindness. Kindness fosters a sense of belonging and reduces the isolation and power imbalances in which bullying thrives. Kindness doesn’t just feel good—it changes the culture around us.
There are many ways to show kindness. Acts of kindness can be simple yet powerful:
Leave positive messages on sticky notes for others to find
Organize a community clean-up
Listen attentively when someone needs to talk
Donate towels or blankets to a shelter
Allow someone to merge in traffic.
Together, we can create a world where we succeed by being kind, where we look out for one another, where we pay it forward, and where we make kindness the norm. “Kindness is free; let’s pass it on.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing bullying or abuse, help is available. Call or text the Bullying Helpline at 310-1818. For more information, visit alberta.ca/bullying.
The addiction and mental health helpline is also available at 1-877-303-2642. This 24-hour, 7 day a week confidential service provides support, information and referrals to Albertans experiencing addiction and mental health concerns.
Taneil Zanidean is a Health Promotion Facilitator with Recovery Alberta.