Make Second September "Stand Up Against Bullying Day"

Last year, the government of Nova Scotia decided to make the second Thursday at the start of each school year Stand Up Against Bullying Day after hearing about students who wore pink to support one of their male classmates who wore pink to school one day and was bullied by other students.

In Ontario, the second Thursday of the school year occurs on the second Thursday after Labour Day. This year, September 11 will be the date that students can take part in anti-bullying activities at their schools. Wearing pink by both boys and girls is one symbolic step that students can take to stop or at least reduce bullying among their peers. I encourage all elementary and secondary schools to take part in their own Stand Up Against Bullying Day on September 11. Each school can create activities for different grades that focus on one or more aspects of bullying.

Bullies, the bullied, and bystanders come in all shapes and sizes. They are your enemies; they are even your friends.

Wear pink on Stand Up Against Bullying Day this September 11.