On February 23, individuals and organizations across the country will come together to celebrate Pink Shirt Day, an annual anti-bullying campaign. Bullying is a form of aggression where there is a power imbalance; the person doing the bullying has power over the person being victimized. In addition to any physical trauma incurred, bullying can result in mental health issues, including anxiety, low self-esteem, or depression. Pink Shirt Day aims to raise awareness of these issues, as well as raise funds to support programs that foster children’s healthy self-esteem.
The campaign theme this year is to “Lift each other up” and have greater acceptance, respect, and inclusion for everyone. For more information on anti-bullying resources, visit pinkshirtday.ca.