Pink Shirt Day – February 28

Join us and others to take a stand against bullying and be an advocate for kindness and inclusivity by wearing a pink shirt on February 28, 2024.

Pink Shirt Day is celebrated on the last Wednesday in February every year to promote anti-bullying. The initiative was started in 2007 in small-town Nova Scotia, after a Grade 9 boy was bullied for wearing a pink shirt. Other students took a stand against this bullying, distributing pink shirts to all Grade 9 boys in an act of solidarity. This simple act of kindness spread across the school, community and country, becoming a global movement to support children and youth affected by bullying.

Bullying is a form of aggression where there is a power imbalance; it is behaviour that makes the person being bullied feel afraid, alone or uncomfortable. This can include such behaviours as being teased, insulted or excluded. There are many different types of bullying, ranging from being made fun of, to having one’s property destroyed, to cyberbullying-type measures such as having hurtful information posted on the Internet.

Having needs due to neurological, developmental, physical and mental health conditions can add to the challenges children and young people face as they learn to navigate social situations in school and in life. While bullying and cyberbullying is an unfortunate reality for many young people, children with physical, communication and developmental needs are at greater risk for being targeted by their peers.

That’s why Pink Shirt Day is so important to Grandview Kids!

We all have a role to play in making the community accessible and inclusive for all abilities. Becoming an Inclusion Ally is one way you can make a difference!

An Inclusion Ally is someone who listens to and supports people with different needs and abilities, but does not have this lived experience. It’s not a label you give yourself. An Inclusion Ally is always learning and unlearning. An Inclusion Ally finds a way to make sure everyone feels like they belong.

Don’t know where to start to combat bullying? We can help!

Our Ability Acceptance Program is available to local businesses, schools, licensed child care centres and community groups, with the goal to enhance the understanding and acceptance of all abilities and promote inclusive practices. Request a presentation!

Remember, sometimes disabilities are visible, but other times they may be invisible. This includes brain injuries, chronic pain, mental illness, gastro-intestinal disorders, and much more. Because they’re not obvious to spot, invisible disabilities may be overlooked and misunderstood. That’s why it’s important to treat everyone with respect, kindness and understanding.

Together, we can make our classrooms, schools and communities more inclusive for people of all abilities!