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“We hear about the effects of bullying all too often, and the impact it has on our children,” said Minister McIsaac. “It’s an issue that we see on the rise in our schools and communities across the country. No one deserves to be discriminated against and we all need to work together to promote fairness and respect in our schools, workplaces and communities.”

Pink Shirt Day is recognized nationally on February 27. The initiative was created by students in Nova Scotia after a bullying incident at a high school. It has become a symbol of intolerance for bullying.

“Our department recognizes that bullying is a serious concern and that is why we continue to look for opportunities to address it in our schools and classrooms,” said Minister McIsaac. “In addition to school board policies and school health programs, our curriculum focuses on helping students develop respect and caring for others as well as building their own emotional, mental and spiritual well-being.”

Through the provincial SHAPES student health behaviour survey, information will soon be collected from Island students on bullying, in addition to positive mental health. Through the provincial School Health Grant program, the department continues to fund school initiatives that help to address bullying.

Students and school staff are to be commended for taking an active role in raising awareness of bullying and how it affects the lives of students, children and people of all ages.

For more information, please visit the website www.pinkshirtday.ca.