Stand Up Against Bullying Day Celebrated

Pink will flood the halls of schools across the province today, Sept. 9, as students and teachers mark the third annual Stand Up Against Bullying Day.

The day is celebrated on the second Thursday in September with schools across the province holding anti-bullying events and students wearing pink. Schools have developed anti-bullying art and poetry, held discussions about bullying had guest speakers and held team building exercises.

"This day reminds us of the importance of healthy, safe and positive learning environments for students and teachers alike," said Education Minister Marilyn More. "Bullying is unacceptable, and I want to encourage all students to confide in a teacher, counsellor, principal or parent if they are being bullied or know of someone who is."

Joe Morrison, principal at Oxford School in Halifax, encouraged his students and staff to wear pink to recognize the day. He also invited students to get involved in peace initiatives that will take place throughout the school year.

"At Oxford, we have student ambassadors who participate in various activities throughout the year that promote peaceful relationships and environments," said Mr. Morrison. "Junior high students actually have the opportunity to become trained in how to peacefully and safely de-escalate bullying situations, and we try and hold at least one anti-bullying or peace event each month."

Ira Archibald-Falon is a Grade 9 student ambassador for peace at Oxford School, and a 2010 recipient of the Premier's Power of Positive Change Award.

"Peace and anti-bullying activities really help students become better friends," said Ira. "As a student ambassador, I am helping people realize that violence is wrong and that there are more positive solutions to problems."

The inspiration for Stand Up Against Bullying Day came from two Grade 12 students at Central Kings Rural High School in Cambridge, Kings Co. Travis Price and David Shepherd rallied behind a new student who was being bullied, simply for wearing a pink shirt. They brought pink shirts to school and handed them out to classmates to wear in solidarity with the new student.

Stand Up Against Bullying Day has sparked similar events around the world, and helps to raise awareness about other initiatives in schools, particularly the Positive Effective Behavioral Supports. It works to teach, model and positively reinforce expected behaviours while providing support to all students, including those who are dealing with behavioural challenges.

"Kicking off every school year with an event like Stand Up Against Bullying Day is an opportunity to talk to, and teach, students about healthy relationships, diversity, respect and positive behaviours," said Rola AbiHanna, guidance consultant with the Department of Education. "Hopefully students will have a better understanding of expected behaviours and work to build healthy relationships with others, both in and out of school."