The Pink Shirt Day 2012
Pink Shirt Day aims to show that bullying is not OK and won’t be tolerated. By encouraging the people of New Zealand to wear a Pink Shirt we can help to raise awareness of bullying and show the massive amount of people who support taking a stance against bullying and believe that bullying should not be tolerated anywhere no matter what the reasons or circumstances are.
The date for the 2012 Pink Shirt Day is yet to be set so keep checking back!
About
Bullying is a major issue in our schools, workplaces, homes, and over the Internet. Pink Shirt Day was established when David Shepherd, Travis Price and their teenage friends organized a high-school protest to wear pink in sympathy with a Grade 9 boy who was being bullied. They bought 50 Pink Shirts and stood in the foyer handing them out to classmates, as the bully walked in the look on his face spoke volumes and showed the impact they had made and the bullies were never heard from again.
Now a Pink Shirt Day has been established in countries worldwide to raise awareness and help stop bullying in schools. By wearing a Pink Shirt you too can show your support against bullying where we live, work and play. If you would like to get involved with Pink Shirt Day there are a number of resources available to participate. The more schools, workplaces and organizations wearing pink, the more people will hear about Pink Shirt Day and make an effort to stop bullying.
Recent research has indicated that over 30% of New Zealand students have been bullied at some time. Many people carry the assumption that bullying is part of growing up although there is compelling evidence that it can lead to:
- Depression and anxiety
- Feelings of loneliness
- Loss of self esteem
- Difficulties making or maintaining friendships with classmates
There is also evidence, both in New Zealand and internationally, that bullying has a long term negative effect on children’s behavioural, emotional, social and educational adjustment. Frequently bullied students are more likely than others to suffer a range of mental health and psychological problems.
To show your support you can:
- add your organisation's name to our list of supporters
- let everyone know this address www.pinkshirtday.org.nz
- wear pink on Pink Shirt Day - and encourage others to wear pink too
