Students participate in anti-bullying awareness on Pink Shirt Day. (Supplied)

By rdnewsNOW Staff

PINK SHIRT DAY

Red Deer Public seeing success with new anti-bullying program

Feb 26, 2025 | 1:25 PM

Red Deer Public Schools is pleased to announce it’s seeing positive results from the WITS anti-bullying program it implemented a few months ago.

The program was introduced in all Kindergarten to Gr. 5 classrooms during Bullying Awareness Week in November 2024 and has since been embraced by students, staff and families, the division said, creating a safer and more inclusive school environment.

“We are incredibly pleased with the response of the program,” said Chad Erickson, Superintendent. “Our goal was to provide students with the tools they need to navigate difficult social situations, and we are already seeing them use these strategies in their daily interactions. The positive impact has been clear in not just reducing bullying incidents, but also by further fostering a culture of kindness and respect in our schools.”

The WITS program encourages students to Walk Away, Ignore, Talk it Out and Seek Help when faced with conflict or bullying. Officials say the program takes a whole-school, whole-community approach by engaging teachers and parents to reinforce these strategies and ensure students feel supported.

“The feedback from students and staff has been overwhelmingly positive,” said Erickson. “Teachers have reported that students are more confident in handling conflicts, and we’re seeing greater peer support among students. Parents have also shared that the program’s messaging is extending into their homes, which is key to making a lasting impact.”

Dec. 10

RDP holds pinning ceremony for graduating nursing students

8h ago

get in the car!

Maps for 2025 Red Deer Christmas Lights tour

10h ago

predictable taxation

Chamber calls Red Deer County's draft budget 'disciplined'

11h ago

The division said that by focusing on early intervention and equipping students with practical strategies, Red Deer Public is taking meaningful steps to prevent bullying and encourage a positive school climate.

The culmination of these efforts was certainly felt on Pink Shirt Day, a nation-wide awareness day for bullying.

Minister of Children and Family Services Searle Turton and Minister of Education Demetrios Nicolaides both issued statements on the importance of Pink Shirt Day and anti-bullying efforts.

“When Albertans and Canadians across the country wear pink, we take a stand against bullying and show those who have experienced bullying they are not alone,” commented Turton. “Pink Shirt Day is dedicated to raising awareness about bullying and promoting kindness, empathy and respect in our communities. It is a reminder that each person makes a difference by choosing to be kind and respectful in their daily lives.”

Nicolaides said all students deserve to feel safe and respected in school, and that Alberta Education understands that bullying is a shared responsibility.

“By wearing pink, we send a clear message of unity against all forms of bullying. This simple act fosters inclusive environments where everyone feels safe and valued. Whether in the classroom or our broader communities, our actions matter. Let’s continue to choose kindness and ensure that every individual feels respected, supported and included,” he added.