On Feb. 26, the Alberta government is running a digital campaign to recognize Pink Shirt Day and raise awareness of bullying and the resources available through #WhereToTurn. Pink Shirt Day began in 2007 when a student in Nova Scotia was bullied for wearing a pink shirt to school. It has since been recognized around the world as a day to stand up against bullying.
Wearing a pink shirt on Feb. 26 is a way to show your support for Pink Shirt Day and send the message that bullying behaviours will not be tolerated. Bullying can occur in the workplace, school, home or community.
“We all have a responsibility to address bullying when we see it happen. This Pink Shirt Day, we are working with communities across Alberta to promote healthy relationships and spread awareness of the services available to those in need.”
“Our government supports safe schools that are free from bullying and prejudice, and we encourage everyone to join us in wearing pink on Feb. 26 to support Pink Shirt Day. Wearing pink shows the importance of promoting healthy relationships and actively working towards creating learning and work environments that are safe and free from bullying.”
The Alberta government’s Pink Shirt Day focuses on a wide range of year-round supports and services available to people experiencing and witnessing acts of bullying. These include:
- the Bullying Helpline (1-888-456-2323), an anonymous helpline available 24-7 in more than 170 languages
- the Bullying Helpline Chat, available 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily at alberta.ca/bullyingchat
- downloadable resources at alberta.ca/bullying
More information about Pink Shirt Day can be found at alberta.ca/pink-shirt-day-alberta.aspx.