It's Pink Shirt Day!

Walking into school each day, every child should feel a sense of belonging, knowing they are safe to be themselves. No one should have to wonder if kindness will prevail. That may seem like a simple expectation, but for many students, it’s not always guaranteed. Pink Shirt Day exists because words and actions, no matter how small, have the power to shape a learning community. Standing up against bullying both in person and online isn’t just important; it’s necessary.

Today, Feb. 26, Canadian Rockies Public Schools (CRPS) joins Albertans and Canadians across the country in wearing pink, not just as a symbol but as a statement. Although progress has been made, bullying is still a reality for too many of today's youth. Canadian statistics show that nearly one in four students report being bullied. We need to do more.

Spotting the warning signs is one way to start. A child who suddenly withdraws, avoids school, or seems more anxious than usual may be struggling with something beyond what they can express. Unexplained injuries, changes in friendships, or a decline in academic performance can also be red flags. On the other side, children who act aggressively, frequently blame others, or show little empathy might be engaging in bullying themselves. Learning to recognize these behaviours early gives parents, teachers, and peers the chance to step in and address bullying before harm is done.

At CRPS, creating a safe school environment begins with teaching students how to navigate their emotions, build positive relationships with their peers, and resolve conflicts in ways that strengthen their learning communities. Through codes of conduct, schools set clear expectations for respect and kindness; however, lasting change happens when students internalize those values. Feeling empowered to speak up, support one another, and advocate for fairness builds a culture where bullying has no place.

Beyond the classroom, adults play a critical role. Reinforcing kindness and modeling what it means to stand up for others, all help to shape the environments where students learn and grow. The same goes for students; a single act of kindness, a refusal to participate in harmful behaviour, or a moment of courage to support a classmate can shift the culture of an entire school.

Pink Shirt Day is about more than wearing a colour; it is a commitment to fostering a culture of kindness, not just today but every day.