February 25 is Pink Shirt Day
Every year on the last Wednesday of February, Canadians come together by wearing pink shirts to mark Pink Shirt Day↗, a powerful movement against bullying that originated from an act of solidarity in 2007. This symbolic act is more than just wearing pink; it is a collective commitment to foster a culture of acceptance, inclusivity, and empathy.
Bullying affects mental health, relationships, sense of safety, and the ability to learn and to join in school activities. It impacts everyone including the bullied, the bully and anyone who witnesses the bullying. Bullying can happen to anyone. It is targeted and repeated. It is mean, cruel, and hurtful behavior which involves power, teasing, conflict, aggression, intimidation and shame.
As we approach Pink Shirt Day on Wednesday, February 25, we invite you to join Ottawa Public Health and be a part of the movement by wearing a pink shirt, contributing to a kinder and more inclusive world by raising awareness for anti-bullying initiatives. Visit Parenting in Ottawa – Bullying↗ webpage to learn more.
Helpful resources:
If someone is in crisis↗, please contact:
Kids Help Phone↗ (24 hours a day/7 days a week) at 1-800-668-6868
Youth Services Bureau↗ (24 hours a day/7 days a week) at 613-260-2360
For additional mental health support and resources for parents and caregivers↗, children↗, and youth↗.
For more resources available in Ottawa, please visit our Mental Health, Addictions and Substance Use Health Services and Resources↗ web page.