Two times a year, the International Stand Up to Bullying Day reminds people to wear a pink shirt in a show of solidarity and support against bullying. On this day, the purpose is to educate others on how to recognize the signs of bullying and find ways to prevent it. The two times of the year are officially recognized as the third Friday in November and the last Friday of February. The day was started through a campaign by two students – Travis Price and David Shepherd, who took a stand against bullying for a fellow student by encouraging the entire student body to wear a pink shirt to school in support. 

Where Does International Stand Up To Bullying Day Take Place?

International Stand Up To Bullying Day takes place in schools, office spaces, and organizations in more than countries across the world to coincide with Anti-Bullying Week, and then again on the last Friday of February. In 2022, International Stand Up To Bullying Day will take place on Friday, February 25. The day was first commemorated in February 2008.

What Is Bullying?

Bullying is defined as aggressive behavior involving a real or perceived power imbalance. Another core component of bullying is the likelihood of repeated incidents. Bullying doesn’t just affect the person receiving it – this type of behavior affects the bullies themselves, as well as those that witness it. Bullying is particularly common among children from as early as grade school through to high school and beyond.

In the United States, 20% of children between ages of 12 and 18 have experienced bullying. On an international scale, one-third of the globe’s children are bullied. The bullies typically had more social influence, more money, or were physically stronger than the person they bullied. The bullying typically took place in a school cafeteria, hallway, classroom, or bathroom. Online platforms and texting have also been used to target their victims.

Bullying can occur in a myriad of different ways. While some bullies use name-calling, others are more physical, purposely making students feel isolated and coercing them do things they don’t want to. For some, bullying is so harmful that students want to leave school entirely. Even more gruesome are the number of students that report suicidal thoughts. 

How You Can #StandUpToBullyingDay

Schools around the world hold events to spread awareness about bullying and how to stand up to abusers. Many students and staff wear pink shirts to demonstrate solidarity and you can participate by wearing a pink shirt and encouraging your local schools and classmates to participate. You can also educate yourself and others about bullying behaviors and how to protect other children. The hashtag to show support on social media is #StandUpToBullyingDay.

The Beginning of International Stand Up To Bullying Day

The first International Stand Up To Bullying Day took place in February 2008 in Canada. During this initial event, more than 125,000 students and staff registered to make a stand against bullying. They wore pink shirts to unite themselves against bullying and since that time, students all around the globe have taken part in this very important day and it continues to gain traction as more people rally to end bullying. 

How do you plan to show your support for International Stand Up To Bullying Day? Let HomoCulture know in the comments section below.