Pink Shirt Day Resources

Rising Above is a Canadian-produced documentary that sheds light on the issue of bullying within our schools and online. It tells the stories of ten Canadians who have either been the targets of bullying or a person who bullied others in the past — their stories of hope, growth and courage in overcoming and rising above the challenges they faced. This film is unique in that it focuses on both the bullies and those who have been bullied. Rising Above provides a source of hope for those currently being bullied, and empowers students to be more understanding, more accepting, and an even bigger help to those around us who are struggling with challenges of their own. This film features education developed by the CANADIAN RED CROSS and their RESPECT EDUCATION PROGRAM. It was also endorsed by the SAFE SCHOOLS NETWORK. Learn the story of how PINK SHIRT DAY started with an intimate interview with Travis Price. Meet Lynelle Cantwell who courageously stood up to her bullies and responded positively. And hear from TED-featured Canadian Spoken Word Artist Shane Koyczan, who reveals a side of being bullied that he still wrestles with today.

At least 1 in 3 adolescents in Canada have reported being bullied. The Canadian Institutes of Health Research states, “bullying can have both short and long-term impacts on someone’s physical and psychological health. Victims often feel lonely, isolated and unsafe. Researchers have also shown that bullying can lead to depression, anxiety, low self-esteem and physical illness. In extreme cases, bullying can be fatal.”

One of the crucial points of bystander intervention is to make sure that it is safe to intervene. You should not get involved if you are worried that the situation could get worse. Bystander intervention is more than just stopping bullying in the moment. It can also include being proactive before or even after an event has taken place. You can talk directly to the bully about what happened, or you can ask the person who was bullied how you might help. Students can talk to a group of friends or a teacher about what happened. Being nice to people who are mistreated goes a long way. There is no foolproof way to stop bullying, but it's important to try. When every community member feels a responsibility to act, bullying will stop. It takes understanding the signs, defusing the situation rather than escalating, and a safe effective intervention.

High school students discuss how bullying is even worse now that social media means kids can get nasty both online and in person.