Pink shirts showcase strong student opposition to bullying

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“We’ve turned it into a positive and talked about standing up, supporting others for what they believe in and having a voice in an environment where sometimes kids are mean,” DeMale says. “Bullying awareness is critical in our school and in society today.”

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Grade eight student Arianna Versluys says while bullying does exist at her school, it’s usually shut down pretty quickly by other students or staff.

“We have a great counsellor you can always go talk to. She’s always walking the halls asking how your day was. We have great teachers who make sure you feel welcome. This school is a safe place,” Versluys says, noting the special meaning Pink Shirt Day has to her.

“A few of my friends have really struggled with bullying. Wearing the pink shirt shows them that I support them and that they can get help,” she says. “If I see someone being a bully, I’d ask them, first of all, if they’re okay or if something’s bothering them. You tell them what they’re doing isn’t okay and that they need to find some help too.”

This year’s Pink Shirt Day has a global focus on cyber-bullying. At Central Middle, students have been given lessons on a range of related topics such as sexting, what’s appropriate or otherwise to post on social media, including on apps like Instagram and Snapchat, as well as about the perils of spreading rumours.

All schools within Red Deer Public and Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools are marking Pink Shirt Day, in addition to events happening at Red Deer College, École la Prairie and within other local organizations.

For more information, visit PinkShirtDay.ca.