Comments from 2008

Comment from Pippa Sugimoto
Time: January 29, 2008, 8:58 pm

I heard the interview with the boys from Nova Scotia and shared it with my 11 year old son and his friend. They would like to take the Feb. 27th pink shirt day campaign to their school principal and ask for it to be announced to the kids at their school. Do you have anything that they could take to the principal?

Comment from Richard Stewart
Time: January 30, 2008, 12:58 am

As the District Parent Advisory Council (DPAC) for School District 43 – Coquitlam – I just want to congratulate you, Christy, for tackling such an important issue. This is an issue that parents have told us is enormous, an issue that I’ve had to deal with myself as a parent.
DPAC 43 is currently conducting an on-line survey of parents on the issue of bullying in schools. Bullying isn’t just “a part of growing up”, it is a potentially very harmful and hurtful act that our school system must protect children from.
And finally I must say that I found the story of Pink T-shirt Day to be inspiring.
Thank you.

Richard

Comment from Auntie Boo
Time: January 31, 2008, 8:37 am

Thank you, Christy, for promoting this important issue. I am spreading the “wear pink” campaign far and wide and would love to see this province bathed in pink February 27th. Those two young men in Nova Scotia are heroes of a special kind. For all we hear about youth going astray, and those issues should not be ignored, there are so many Canadian young people that are doing incredible, inspiring things. More attention should be paid as they are role models for their generation.

Comment from Cath-Anne Ambrose
Time: January 31, 2008, 9:21 pm

My best friends daughter recently experienced bullying in a very prestigious westside school.
It went off and on from grade 2 until grade 4. This group of “mean” girls were her “friends” but were also bullying her. Her school worked plummeted and she became very angry and withdrawn. She was constantly nervous, never wanting to go to school.
She finally moved her daughter from the school to new school and the the new environment changed her daughter incredibly. The change in her confidence and self esteem was remarkably different once she got away from the mean bully girls and put in a new healthier school. The difference within her in a very short period of time was shocking to see and it made us all realize how she had been suffering.

Comment from Kelly House
Time: February 4, 2008, 11:27 am

Hey Great idea from some very caring and inovative students. I am a Youth Care Worker at Eligin Park Secondary in South Surrey and I see the implications of bullying all the time. One thing I have learned over the years is that a bully has usually been the bullied at one point. Now that is not by any means an excuse for the behaviour. What I have found, is addressing that issue can help reduce the impact bullying has and develops a better understanding for those who are affected.

Comment from Catherine Johnston
Time: February 8, 2008, 10:00 am

Thank you, Christy for promoting this important initiative. By taking a stand against bullying, we can all help to make our world safe and caring for all our citizens. By speaking out and educating all members of society we will create a world where each person is cared for and treated with respect and dignity. Bravo to those brave students who took a stand against bullies by wearing a pink t-shirt in support of a bullying victim.

Comment from Jerome Francis
Time: February 13, 2008, 8:43 am

Hello Christy Clark, I am a high school teacher in Port Coquitlam interested in participating in Pink Day. We would like to do a presentation to the students so that they understand what the day is all about. We would like to show the news broadcast talking about the two students from Nova Scotia. I have it on You Tube but the quality is not very good. The broadcast is with CBC National. Do you have a copy of this broadcast or be able to help us track down a copy that we can school at our school? Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Comment from Jessica
Time: February 13, 2008, 10:09 pm

This is awesome! I love it. Pink Pink Pink! Here I come!

Comment from Kris
Time: February 14, 2008, 5:43 am

Hi,
We live in Ontario, however, I just copied your note and forwarded it to our superintendant … since we are a french speaking school, I’m not sure what he’ll do with it since it’s in english, but if he won’t distribute it for that reason, I will have my sons translate it to french and resend it … thank you for the information … what a fabulous idea ! of course, pink being my favourite colour, we will all be in PINK for sure, in support of such an important initiative !!!

Comment from Paulina
Time: February 15, 2008, 9:24 pm

Hello! We heard about this event through the news, and have decided to host it at our school. I just made an event for it on Facebook for our school and I was just wondering if it was alright that I put a link to your webpage so that students could learn more about it. If this is a problem, just let me know via email. Thanks so much!

Comment from jesse
Time: February 16, 2008, 4:36 pm

Hi, i am a high school student in saskatchewan and, i think that this “wear pink” bullying campaign would be a great thing to bring to my school. We are are always trying to send out an anti-bullying message but it dosnt seem to get across to most of my peers. It would be a huge help if you could send some posters and/or more information about this program. Thank you!

Comment from Deborah
Time: February 17, 2008, 10:28 pm

Thank you Christy for bringing the issue of bullying back to life. In the late 1990’s and early 2000’s, BC was at the forefront regarding this issue. Sadly since you left the education ministry, BC has regressed and is now at the back of the pack concerning dealing with bullying in our schools. Please keep the bullying issue alive after February 27!

Comment from brooke
Time: February 18, 2008, 1:46 pm

Just wanted to let you know that this is great, my 11 year old daughter saw that I had joined the group on FB and wanted to get involved. She has printed off posters and has been asking businesses all around town to display them so people can become aware of “Wear pink day” Feb.27. She is also encouraging her class and friends/family/neighbors etc to wear pink that day. Bullying unfortunately was a part of her life (not anymore), and in her words, “It’s never too late to stand up for what is right.” Thank you for bringing such an important matter, to both children and adults, out into the spotlight.

Comment from Mads.
Time: February 18, 2008, 6:58 pm

I grew up in the same small town in Nova Scotia, and attended the same highschool, and am now a BC resident. Its really refreshing to see the great thing these boys have done spread across the country. Way to make Nova Scotia and the rest of the Country proud guys. Way to go Gators.

Comment from john verchomin
Time: February 18, 2008, 9:55 pm

39 years ago as a kid i was bullied, Sadly i resorted to violence and intimidation as revenge .I got back all of my bullies.
Right or wrong , they never bullied again.As an adult now ( 52 years old) I always look out for the underdog and if I’m close to any similar bullying events I unfortunately still use my revenge tactics to punish those bullies and only those bullies, unless they listen to my queries of why they do it.

If they don’t try or seem remorseful , I sadly put them in their place……

its a terrible cycle that is written in stone as a kid having been bullied. You carry it for life..Will i change my tactics………..i doubted…….

i will wear pink to honor all who have faced the same.

john Verchomin

Comment from Jo Anne Colford
Time: February 19, 2008, 6:21 am

Hi Christy,
I have forwarded your letter to the principal of my children’s school here in New Brunswick. Nice to see something positive coming from something so demoralizing as bullying.

I think it would be wonderful to see pink Nation wide!

Comment from Nick Nuraney
Time: February 19, 2008, 9:58 am

Thanks Christy for raising awareness on this critical issue. We have 80 employees in our A&W Restaurants in Langley and we will all be wearing PINK. I have also taken out 3 Ads in the local paper to encourage others to join in. The students that work for us are very excited about this.
Thanks
Nick

Comment from Cindy
Time: February 20, 2008, 12:01 pm

I think this is a great idea. I have a nephew who is being bullied and it has to stop. When I was in school I was bullied for years. I would walk blocks out of my way to avoid getting beat up. I had red hair, buck teeth, glasses and was very shy. I wish I had classmates like the two boys in Nova Scotia. Their parents should be very proud of them. I’ll definitely will be wearing pink on Feb. 27 and will pass this information to everyone I know.

Comment from Kristie
Time: February 20, 2008, 1:14 pm

I think we need to do everything to promote anti-bullying in educational institutions, as people need to be aware bullying of any kind is not and should not be tolerated. It is the people who are ill-educated that promote bullying.
I myself am a victim of being bullied as a adolescent…I remember being spit on, locked in lockers (by boys and girls), had mean and crude letters stuffed in my locker and had teachers defend the ones who did it. I was very fortunate to have learned copeing strategies at a young age, as I don’t know how I ever would have kept picking myself up again and again. However, there are kids out there who are not able to build up a resliency to this type of violence, and yes bullying is a type of violence.
Both my husband and son will be wearing pink in support of the fight against bullying. I will pass this informaton on to schools, family and friends….Thank you to the two boys who were willing to go one above the rest and do something.

Comment from Jennifer Stickney
Time: February 20, 2008, 3:27 pm

I’ve been bullied most of my life; being transgendered makes me a primary target. I’ve made a very strong effort on my web site to stop bullying cause I’ve been tired of it and don’t like seeing others bullied. I’ve been writing to the Penticton Herald to get bullying stopped and so far a few schools have been complying with provincial anti-bullying laws. I’d like to see the rest of Penticton stop bullying and a new Safe Space program at the Okanagan College could help spread the word. I think this program is amazing and I’m wearing my pink on Feb 27th!

Comment from Roderick
Time: February 20, 2008, 5:54 pm

Wish we had this for when the BCTF was being bullied by the provincial Liberal party!

Comment from Terry Walker
Time: February 20, 2008, 8:36 pm

WOW!

I’m amazed and impressed by this movement. I was terrorized by bullies when I was growing up, to the point where I had to first change schools, then change school districts in order to escape from it … all because I was different.

THANK YOU!!!

Comment from Jeff Stackhouse
Time: February 20, 2008, 11:03 pm

Hey my name is Jeff Stackhouse from Mission BC. Canada and I was bullied a lot in high school because I was shy, there was no reason for it to happen and back when I was in school there was no bullying programs in the high school and it took a few students dying from our community to implement a program that teaches students what to do if they encounter a bully while in school.

When I found out about this, I was really excited to be a part of it and I will encourage all of my friends and family to wear pink.

It will help, and when people ask why are you wearing Pink Jeff? I will say it’s because I want to get the word out that bullying is still a problem in high schools and like you said in the work place even, and especially online.

I have actually had a lot of people bully me online in the past few years. Even adults aged 30-59 have bullied me online. Be careful when online, I had the webmasters and managers of the Kelly Clarkson fan club bully, hack and stalk me, and it was all a very terrible ordeal, which I would hate to have happen to anyone else out there.

I hope I can help other people out there that have been bullied in person online and in person that you can always speak out about these people. They want to scare you into not saying anything and will claim to have proof and will say they will hurt you more if you speak out but YOU HAVE TO TELL SOMEONE.

That is the #1 Rule.

In School I didn’t tell anyone and I wished I had. Now if anyone has the nerve to bully me, I speak out immediately and contact the proper authorities when it happens.

Like everyone else that was bullied, I was just a bit different then everyone else, which SHOULD be seen as a good thing, but children and adults are cruel, and there will be people in life that will try to bully you. You have to stand up for yourself, and you have to be willing to to never give up on your rights and a great and wonderful person that was made to show the world that a change must be made regarding bullying.

Again if anyone out there is being bullied in anyway shape or form, in person or online , tell someone, parents, friends, or police, and that’s the first step to the end of it.

I hope that a lot of people will be out and about wearing pink on Feb 27th 2008 and then even the bullies will be aware there is an army of people out there that will look out for each other.

And I want to extend my deepest care and thoughts of love to all of the victims of bullying because I know how much it hurts, you , your family and your friends.

Thanks to Christy and all of the anti-bully supporters,

Jeff Stackhouse
Mission BC Artist

Comment from Dilys
Time: February 21, 2008, 7:34 am

I’m going to let my coworkers know about this movement as well. Bullying also happens with adults in the workplace. Even in the social services sector and among counsellors!!!! I work for a telephone based counselling centre and talk to many young people about bullying everyday. I am so pleased to hear about this awareness-raising. Bullying is a real problem that has devestating effects.

I hope I can help you spread the word!

Also – if you are looking for any research about bullying, please check out www.prevnet.ca!

Dilysa

Comment from Andre Choquette
Time: February 21, 2008, 12:20 pm

Our office will be fully supporting the wear pink event on Feb 27, 2008. This includes myself (standing over 6?3, wearing my first pink piece of clothing)! But for the cause of stopping bullying, I will wear the pink t-shirt on the 27th…

Comment from Rachel
Time: February 22, 2008, 11:32 am

I can’t express how important it is to stop this in schools. I was bullied and sexually harassed in grades six and seven and even though I made my teachers aware of the issue, they ignored it and even went so far as to write in my report card that I was “difficult to get along with”.
I know I am not alone, and it took me a long time to get over what happened. I am so glad that kids today are getting the support that was never available to me and I hope that my son will never have to come home to me with a tale of being bullied.
I am going to wear pink on the 27th, so is my son.
Thank you for your work Christy.

Comment from Anne Howson
Time: February 22, 2008, 3:48 pm

Thanks very much for the letter and handouts.
Have you sent a copy of the letter to the Vancouver School Board for distribution?
I approached my children’s principal this morning and will forward it to them.
Will also try to provide info to Vancouver Coastal Health Authority re bullying at work.
It is so wonderful to think about the positive impact that one or two people can make. Delightful to see the groundswell of support for an excellent idea started by two concerned young men.
Thanks for spreading the word.
Anne.

Comment from Victoria Barker
Time: February 22, 2008, 8:22 pm

Hi Christy!

I’m an elementary student in B.C. I’ve never been bullied before but I’ve heard about people who have. My friends and I are doing a petition to help stop bullying. We’ve got kids of all ages and adults to sign it. Our goal is 500 signatures. My principal also put an article in our monthly newsletter about it and but your posters up around the school. Some of the boys who hate pink have decided to wear pink on the 27th. My family and I will definatley be wearing pink! Thank-you for spreading the word about Pink Shirt Day!

Victoria
Thank you!

Victoria

Comment from Gerry McRobert
Time: February 22, 2008, 9:08 pm

Christy – what an excellent idea to support this cause. I have encouraged all of our team members in BC to proudly wear pink on Wednesday – and added that they can also wear jeans! I encourage all employers to support this effort, and stop the bullying.

Comment from TPN WEB DESIGN INC.
Time: February 22, 2008, 11:54 pm

Excellent Idea indeed.

Comment from Sandy
Time: February 23, 2008, 6:49 am

Hi Christy,

I have an 8 yr old boy who is also bullied. He carries an epi pen in a pouch around his waist and is called names like “peanut boy’ peanut freak. It goes as far as them chasing him and telling him they have peanut butter all over their fingers and are going to make him eat peanut butter. Needless to say, I am a regular ‘occurance’ at the schools, and as a mother mortified that other children feel it ‘ok’ and ‘acceptable’ to behave this way. My children were brought up to be respectful to everyone, after all, who did the scale of who was better then who???
Its unfortunate that the behaviour is so barbaric, but you can bet we will be dressed in pink ALL DAY!! We are also spreading the word – we are in Brantford ON

Cheers!

Comment from Lauren
Time: February 23, 2008, 7:39 am

I am twelve years old, almost thirteen. I am often bullied for being ‘a shrimpy little twig.’ I’ve had enough of it. My friends do say that I’m not that short, but according to these bullies, I am. I’m teased that I can’t play any sports because I am too small for them. I am in Grade Seven and I’m told that ‘The Grade One class is that way.’ I could have a million mean things to say to them, but I choose not to. I want to be the bigger person.
I have a lot of pink clothes, so I will deffinately be wearing them! I want bullying to end so that no more kids [pr even adults] will be teased and bullied to the point they wish their life is over.
I’ve often wished that I was never born so that bullying maybe never happened. I’ve even thought of killing myself. Bullying is almost like a disease. It spreads and makes people feel sick. It needs to end, get a dose of Pink on February 27th to prevent the bad disease of bullying!
-Lauren Pink, 12, Barrie Ontario.

Comment from Sandra
Time: February 23, 2008, 7:18 pm

I am so happy to have found this website. I am a mother of an 8 yrs. old girl who has been bullied since Kindergarten by another 8 year old girl, I had no idea I had to be worried about this happening at such a young age. My daughter has gone through many emotional issues and fears and now suffers from anxiety and only feels safe with the adults in her life and her cousins and has 1 special friend she trusts. She has been under going councelling for 3 years now, but she still comes home for lunch and does not feel safe in her school surroundings unless an adult or Grade 7 student is beside her. As there is a “NO TOLERANCE’ for bullying I have been so disappointed with the lack of support from her school and outside parties that I have tried to get help from (even the RCMP). As this has been going on from K to now grade 3 I have a 10 page typed journal of all that has happened and actions I have taken. We wear our “STAND UP!” bracelet from Lasenza GIRL everyday and have even given them as gifts. I now have a huge appreciation for a pink shirt and I am sending an email out to all my contacts and I am on board for Feb.27th,2008 and I am making it my mission that Nanaimo also supports Feb.27th,2008 and that we alll say “NO” to bullying. Good luck!

Comment from Michelle
Time: February 24, 2008, 12:20 pm

Hi christy!

Just today I heard about pink shirt day from my teacher when she phoned me to see if I wanted to go around to classes and talk about it with some of my friends. In elementary school it may seem like life is really okay when its not. I’m in grade 5 and I have been maybe what you call bullied since grade 1. I met this girl and we were like best friends till I finally grew up and noticed she was only using me. I had to throw away her garbage and she would run away with some of my other friends. I made the mistake in grade two of calling her bossy. She was what you call queen of the popular group she knew everything. In grade 3 I met another best friend and in grade four we were put in different classes. She became best friends with the girl that bullied me since grade one. She then also started bullying me. When I wrote this story that year about this big fight we all got into she said it made people talk about her all over the school. That story got me an A in Language arts that year. When I look back at where the story is supposed to me its not. She claims the principle ripped it out but I still doubt that today. I still haven’t gone to counselling today but it is always getting better. I noticed I always had a best friend there to help me. I just always chased after the girl just to be popular. I regret that. My best friend helped me fight this though the girl that bullied me thought she was a friend. I always had to fight for what was right and it paid off. Though today I wish I could fit in to the popular group I thought of how much it may seem how people like them but actually people are afraid of them. If someone took a stand I know things like this would change. I do great in school and I have great friends that I probably have to keep because that girl will always try to take away what I have that she doesn’t friends. My best friends and I called it the vortex. when you get sucked in you only come out hurt. I try to warn people of what might happen it is at least one step closer to a better future. I tell my friends that if they want to be popular like them they might as well leave me beacause those girls will never let me be in their group. People who start gossip are people that you seemed to trust and when you tell them a secret they spread it all over the school. People like that don’t have a good life. they will never be trusted. Even though you always wonder what’s going on in those circles you will know its better not to know. to this day I am still bullied but at least I have a better life then before. My true friends were the people that never left me for that group after I asked them. they would say I will be your friend. My friends would always meet up to those girls standers. but one thing that they will have that the popular group won’t have is courage. I am trying to build up that courage to tell someone and go to a counsellor at school but I’m taking it one step at a time. Starting by wearing a pink shirt to symbolize bullying.

I hope Christy that you will e-mail me back and maybe help me with my bullying problems. I know that your awareness is helping kids everywhere. I hope we keep in touch as this is my first comment.

Thank you for raising awareness!!!! And good luck!

Comment from Candace
Time: February 24, 2008, 3:20 pm

I am a teacher in Ontario and was once a victim of bullying myself. I have seen the effects of bullies on students and have witnessed bullies in action. The staff and administration of my school, as well as countless others in my district, will all be wearing pink on Wednesday in support of your campaign. We must work together to put an end to bullying!!

Comment from David Julio Wang
Time: February 24, 2008, 6:41 pm

I experienced bullying back in Junior High School when I was living in Nova Scotia.

The bullying was really unpleasant when I was going through it, it was one of the reasons why I would purposefully make myself sick by taking a cold shower and standing out in the snow until I started to cough and feel chilled.

I was teased because of my last name.
I had spitballs shot at me.
I was told to sit at the front of the bus.
I was even dunked headfirst into a snowbank (thankfully, a nice fellow student pulled me out before I asphyxiated. He actually became my mentor even though we were the same age. Some people are just further along the path of enligthenment.)

Now, in retrospect, I understand why the poor guys who bullied me did so.
They were making a very clear statement of their unhappiness, which they couldn’t express in another way.

I do not condemn the bullies or the bullying.
I understand they were behaviors resulting from underlying issues which are inherent to our society, and not the result of some kids being “bad” (I really think as a species we need to evolve beyond the pedantically simplistic notion of “bad”. It does not do justice to the complexity of human motivations. “Simple labels create simple minds.” We should aspire for more.)

I have a saying,
“Healthy, Happy, Fulfilled Human Beings Are Peaceful Human Beings.”

The solution to “bullying” and all extreme expressions of unhappiness is this :

The Minimum Standard :
Everyone Has Healthy Food To Eat
Everyone Has A Safe, Comfortable Place To Live
Everyone Has Nice, Dignified Clothes To Wear
Everyone Has A Job That Challenges Them And Is Worthy Of Respect

That’s addresses the immediate survival needs, which when in distress bring out the most primitive and base of human behaviors.

The next step is everyone needs to feel free and encouraged to :

Express and Express Themselves Freely
Think and Think Profoundly
Feel and Feel Deeply

Pent up emotions and thoughts which go unexpressed create painful pressure which needs to be expressed somehow.
If everyone knows they can express themselves without fear of pain, reprisal, or ostracization they won’t feel that pressure gnawing at them which they need to express in a sublimated way.

Kids who bully do so because of all the pain they have to suppress which naturally comes out in the form of bequeathing their pain to others.
We share this world with one another.
We’re all connected.
The pain of others is the pain of all of us.

I know what I need to do.
The Beatles told us.
I need to love : everyone.
I want to.
That’s the first step along the path to healing our species and being happy. ; )

Comment from Alexandra J
Time: February 25, 2008, 8:59 am

See, this is what we need. Not the “Stop — you’re bullying — we don’t do that here!” sign of grade three fame; a boy can stick his finger in a hole in a dam, but one person can’t stop the tide once the water starts rushing in. “United we stand, divide we fall, together we are / what we can’t be alone…”

I’ll be decked out in pink come the twenty-seventh!

Comment from Sharon
Time: February 25, 2008, 9:45 am

Hi Christy-
Our entire school, Lord Byng Elementary in Steveston, B.C., will be wearing pink on Wednesday to take a stand against bullying in our school and community. Our morning messages this week are all about assertiveness and we are teaching this skill in each classroom. Wednesday will begin with an all-school assembly to celebrate our stand against bullying. We want our children to be positive and confident, and make a difference in our world.

Comment from Brenda
Time: February 25, 2008, 10:07 am

Hi Christy
THANK YOU!
As PAC Chair in our Elementary school and a mother of a child that has been severly bullied , THANKS!
I am now a certified instructor for “Roots of Empathy” at our school to try and encourage empathy and caring towards others. If I can help save one child from the pain my child has gone thru, it is worth it1
We have established an ‘anti-bullying’ committee at our school to tackle this issue. It is not only the ‘’physical ‘’ bullying but the verbal and intimidation that is happening in our schools.
We will be wearing pink !
The boys that started this are heroes in eyes of many!!
Words can not express my sincere gratitude for tackling this issue.

Comment from Kelly Hill
Time: February 25, 2008, 11:15 am

Hi Christy

On behalf of Alderson Elementary School in Coquitlam, I want to let you know that our school will be wearing pink on the 27th to take a stand against bullying. Thanks for getting this off the ground Christy!

Comment from marie walker
Time: February 25, 2008, 11:37 am

Hi there!

Our school Vaughan Willard P.S. in Pickering will be taking part in the “Bullying Stops Here” wear Pink day.

Comment from emmy
Time: February 25, 2008, 11:54 am

Hi there Christy!

I have been sharing your information with friends and colleagues and they are all interested in the awareness campaign. We are definitely working to spread the word!

I wanted to share a website and program with you that many schools across Canada and the USA are using. It is called Teasing and Bullying: Unacceptable Behaviour and you can learn more at www.tab.ualberta.ca

Thanks for your work to spread the word about bullying.

Comment from Elana Stocker
Time: February 25, 2008, 2:41 pm

This story touched my heart and I am so supportive of this initiative. I was terribly bullied in school. I am almost 35 and I am often so thankful that I am no longer in school. I now work with children and am hyper aware of bullying…this can’t be ignored! I am wearing pink on Feb 27th!

Comment from Steph M. Wyzer
Time: February 25, 2008, 3:47 pm

Oh my God! thank God someone spoke up for this and the millions of people that are trying to get the word out to end bullying. This was truley inspiring and it got to me..because i went through very harsh bullying times thorugh almost all of my life and im scarred for life from it. But i don’t think it’s ever to late to help prevent it from happenig to anyone else. And with that, off my chest i want to thank you for posting this up and thank that students that were involved in helping people because one person can make a diffrence and this is just awsome. As of tommorow i’m handing this out to our school principals to let them know about this great idea to support all those kids that walk though my school hallways and let them know that they are not alone. Thanks a mill, Steph.

Comment from Angie Lundin
Time: February 25, 2008, 5:11 pm

Hi Christy,

I am a student teacher in the Coquitlam school district. As a parent of two elementary school aged children, I realize how prominent this problem is in our schools. I see it on some level daily. I have talked to my K/1 class extensively about bullying and how to handle a situation in which they are the victim. As well, we as a class point out such behaviour when we see it. I have read wonderful books on the subject to my class. The children did an art project today and it will be displayed on an anti bullying bulletin board outside our classroom. Thank you for your attention to this problem which has become epidemic

Comment from Lisa
Time: February 25, 2008, 5:49 pm

I think this is a wonderful idea – sure wish it had come around when I needed it, but better late than never. Any chance of some pink “No To Bullying” buttons that we can wear on our winter coats? (it’s a little cold for t-shirts still!)

Comment from Michelle
Time: February 25, 2008, 6:46 pm

I was bullied an extreme amount as a kid. Everything about me, my personality, my looks and my athletic ability made me a victim to the bullies who loved to see me cry. When I was a kid, I was at my quietiest, my nose was at its biggest, my hair was at its frizziest and the bullies were at their meanest. Still to this day I replay the things they said to me. They haunt me and still make me cry the same amount they did back then. I suppose I never got propper closure, and that might be why I am the way I am today.
These events have shaped me to be the person I am right now. I’m very accepting of other people and their flaws, but for some reason I can’t accept the flaws in myself. In the mirror I see exactly what I have been trained to see: the image of myself that the bullies made me believe.
Finding out about this “Wear Pink” day today at my school almost made me cry of joy! I was excited, and I immediately said “I am so wearing pink!” There is no doubt I won’t. It’s a small step, but maybe this will finally bring me closure, and I can learn to love myself.
Thank you.

Comment from Keith
Time: February 26, 2008, 6:53 am

Awesome I’m sure ready to wear pink. My class is going to have the whole school wear pink!

Comment from nicole
Time: February 26, 2008, 7:00 am

yeah i’ve been bullied before by a group of really bratty girls. and its not cool…so im gonna wear some pink !

Comment from nicole
Time: February 26, 2008, 7:01 am

oh and hi keith, we’re gonna wear some pink are’nt we!!!!

Comment from Andrew
Time: February 26, 2008, 7:02 am

weeeee i like pink im gunna try to waer pink also keith nicole hiiiiiii

Comment from Andrew
Time: February 26, 2008, 7:03 am

hi guys
wear ping stop the violence

Comment from Keith
Time: February 26, 2008, 7:03 am

sup
: D WEAR PINK! STOP THE VIOLINCE!

Comment from Andrew
Time: February 26, 2008, 7:04 am

This is almost like a chat thing lets talk plp

Comment from daniel
Time: February 26, 2008, 7:04 am

pink rules hi keith and andrew and nicole

Comment from daniel
Time: February 26, 2008, 7:05 am

i wish i could go to every school and tell them PINK RULES!!!!!

Comment from Keith
Time: February 26, 2008, 7:05 am

VIOLENCE IS BULLYING AND BULLYING IS BAD! SO WEAR PINK TOMORROW AND CELEBRATE THE NO BULLY DAY! PINK! : D

Comment from daniel
Time: February 26, 2008, 7:05 am

i wish i could go to every school and tell them PINK IS OWSOME!!!!!

Comment from daniel
Time: February 26, 2008, 7:09 am

GO PINK GO PINK GO PINK GO PINK YAAAAAAY WERE PINK TOMORROW AND DONT BULLY.

Comment from nicole
Time: February 26, 2008, 7:37 am

now i realize that they were just jealous and what goes around comes around….its so stupid how people bully others for no reason at all, why cant we just live together in peace, sheesh!

wear pink, and stop the bullying!

Comment from Glaucoma Patient
Time: February 26, 2008, 9:54 am

The BC College of Physicians and Surgeons is responding to glaucoma patients who have been given permaission by Health Canada to use medical marijuana, by bullying them out of care.

I am losing my eyesight, and I have been shunned by several doctors in Victoria BC, and the BCCPS Ethics Committee supports that.

I think the Anti-Bullying Day is a joke.

Comment from Jennifer Stickney
Time: February 26, 2008, 12:18 pm

I’m just promoting this at my college and I challenge all colleges and education institutioins to get in on this. Let’s turn this nation pink!

Comment from Donna White
Time: February 26, 2008, 1:17 pm

I think this is a great idea and I have been spreading the word. I may not have been bullied growing up and I don’t have children but I have nieces and nephews who I want to see be able to enjoy their school years and not have to worry about defending the choices they make.

Comment from Marilyn
Time: February 26, 2008, 2:01 pm

Yeah Christy! I’m putting a big pink ribbon around my heritage tree in the front yard. Lot’s of young people cross my yard on the way to and from school. I hope they will be encouraged to wear pink tomorrow.

Comment from hang 10 and luv u
Time: February 26, 2008, 2:41 pm

my son was bullied so bad he wanted to kill himself…..in grade 9 he was fine in grade ten all his friends turned againist him…..they did`nt say y ,they just did`nt want to assicate with him …..so then a rumor got spred that he was gay if you want around him oeee you get gay germs…every morning he went to the bus stop he heard this i called the school board and they took my information and would wright him down as another stat anyway this went on till he graduated (the last few years of school he wanted to end his life…..he went to the prom by his self, now he still lives at home at the age of 24….he recently started likeing a girl at work…he bought her roses for valentines day she`s a quiet girl who he still has to ask out,but his self confidence will come back …he was never gay but someone started a nasty rumor that ruined his life…please think about what you say

Comment from Jodi Statham (nee-Anderson)
Time: February 26, 2008, 3:01 pm

Thank you Christy for believing in children. Thank you for having the school Small Talk because of you and that school I was able to start learning how to talk and much more. Thank you for helping me in starting a future for me. Thank you for making aware of bullying as I was bullied in school because of my speech disability however now as a adult why care what people think. Its them who have the problem. Thank you very much.

Comment from Katie
Time: February 26, 2008, 3:04 pm

I’m not one to wear pink, I’ve always been the tomboy. But I was always willing to wear red on Fridays for the Canadian troops, and now after getting the invite to join the group on Facebook I can’t wait till tomorrow.

I’ve also been thinking, shouldn’t we choose a day out of the week to wear pink for this bullying cause, or even a certain day each month. Even if it’s just pink earrings or something.

Well that’s my opinion. I really think it’s great what everyones doing. Keep up the good work guys!

Sincerely,
Katie

Comment from Ethan
Time: February 26, 2008, 3:14 pm

Hi my name is Ethan, I was bullied all of grade 4 and I continue to be bullied and I am in grade 5 now, I am so mad that I do not have anything pink to wear tomorrow on Feb 27, but I do support kids not being bullied. My mom and I wish we would have heard of this sooner we found out about it today Feb 26, so there is not much we can do to get my school involved in wearing pink, maybe next time.

Thanks
Ethan

Comment from Caerol
Time: February 26, 2008, 3:33 pm

I am so glad that you have decided to promote this story. bystanders are the middle ground, the witnesses. The bully looks to the bystander for the reaction, approval, and positive reaction. The bullied is diminished and abused and looks to the bystander for support. I am so proud that 2 young men in grade twelve in my birth province decided to take a stand and support the bullied boy. I do not own a PINK article of clothing or anything really, but I am going shopping tonight for something PINK to wear to my work place- Airdrie Family Services where one of our staff caught your enthusiasm and has extended the invite to all of us, not a lot of time, but WOW isn’t the media amazing. I also invited my friends on FAceBook to participate whereever they reside and work. Stop this insidious cruel practice, stand up as bystanders and let’s end Bullying in our schools and our communities together. Proudly wearing PINK Feb 27th. Thanks Christy, and Thank You David and Travis for getting the Sea of Pink launched.

Comment from Brenda Dudfield
Time: February 26, 2008, 5:06 pm

Discovery School in Surrey has promoted it by sending pink cards with the logo on home with students. I also took cards in to the Cardinal Transportation Surrey office to promote it.

Comment from Cinci Csere
Time: February 26, 2008, 6:03 pm

Stop Bullying Basketball Tournament! FREE
When: Wed, Feb 27 at 4:30pm (until 6pm)
Where: Hyde Creek Recreation Centre 1379 Laurier Avenue Port Coquitlam
Who: Ages 11-14 & 15-18
Why: Fun, Prizes, and to support the Stop Bullying Campaign in partnership with the Steve Nash Association.

Stop Bullying Theatre! FREE
When: Wed, Feb 27 at 7:30pm (until 8:30pm)
Where: Gathering Place, #1100 – 2253 Leigh Square Place Port Coquitlam
Who: ALL AGES (youth and parents)
Why: Join the Poco Youth improv team, Improv’D, for an interactive evening of theatre. The performance will explore the impacts of Bullying through audience involvement.
How: Come early, seats are limited.

Hope you can turn out to support!

Comment from Michelle
Time: February 26, 2008, 6:20 pm

Hi
I can’t wait till tomorrow Christy. Today I went around to classes and gave presentations about tomorrow. Well its not exactly a school wide day but some classes will be wearing pink or red. its also red because we don’t won’t students going out to buy something pink just for tomorrow so yeah. If you want to read my story look above for my name. Careful there is another person with the same name so look for the one that is made on the 24th. I hope I see alot of people wear pink tomorrow. I wrote a story for school that’s called take a stand. It is based on a true story which is pretty much happening at my school in my grade. Believe me bullies have usually been bullied before wich auses them to act this way today. Stand up and wear pink to say NO TO BULLYING.

Comment from Sabryna
Time: February 26, 2008, 6:33 pm

This is a great idea.
Coming from someone who has been bullied in her past. I believe every single person should stand up to bullying!. I see bullying everyday and I always help out that person who has been bullied or I report it. Seeing the response to this event give me hope in people. Its amazing that so many people want to help bullying. When I was younger no one wanted to make a stand. Times have changed and people have become wise. So tomorrow we will all make the stand to stop bullying in schools everywhere!

Comment from Della
Time: February 26, 2008, 6:57 pm

http://www.canadianparents.com/article/preventing-violence-and-bullying-in-schools

This is a contest I found in a Canadian Newsletter today I though it would be interesting for any school its Students in Canada. There are great school Prizes… Its worth checking out!!!
All the Best
Della

Comment from Trevor
Time: February 26, 2008, 8:47 pm

Christy, thank you for your hard work promoting this crucial cause. Having been bullied as well, I strongly believe that bullying should even be made a criminal act. I will join the pink crusaders tomorrow. Keep up the good work.

Comment from Pamela
Time: February 26, 2008, 9:47 pm

Thank you! I was bullied in elementary school, and finally took a stand against my bullies, and they backed down, it still gives me a feeling of empowerment 30 years later. This is a great cause!

Comment from steven
Time: February 26, 2008, 10:20 pm

I Take a Stand Against Bullying

Comment from Mark
Time: February 26, 2008, 11:39 pm

Nice work, Christy. I was never bullied–just lucky, I guess– but I’ve seen it happen all around me, all through my life. I do believe that the reason for the growing number of ‘problem’ adults that our society has to deal with is directly related to this issue… regardless of whether those people happened to be ‘the bullies’ or ‘the bullied’ as youths. I applaud you for using the power of your position to do something TRULY meaningful. Anytime we do something good for kids, we invest heavily in the human race. I’ll be wearing something pink tomorrow in support.

Comment from Kt
Time: February 27, 2008, 12:04 am

Kudos to you Christy,,bullying is more prevalent than ever before. As the mother of two teenage girls I know first hand just how bad it can get. I heard about your pink campaign earlier in the week, as the local radio station was discussing the color coded day about to come. It was just earlier today they announced the color and purpose of this campaign. I am proud to be a part of your objective as a whole, and even more am impressed with the color choice. Pink is linked to many worthy causes, or should I say real life issues, and now you have brought much needed attention to a issue plaguing our future..

Comment from Joey
Time: February 27, 2008, 6:45 am

Nice Idea

Comment from Tracy
Time: February 27, 2008, 6:58 am

Thanks , I will be adding a piece of pink cloth to all my students today!!!

Comment from Dale Flood
Time: February 27, 2008, 7:31 am

Great job Christy… I was bullied as a youth, and am VERY proud to wear pink today.

Your friend,

Dale

Comment from Stephen Hill
Time: February 27, 2008, 8:18 am

No Bully for Me is pleased to support this initiative.

Proudly wearing pink today!

We are especially interested in bullying in the workplace.

As one of the leading sources of information and help to do with workplace bullying across Canada, and based in Vancouver, we thought you might want to know what we do and add us to your list of resources.

We have been running since 2003, we are a voluntary organization run by myself (Stephen typing here) and Karen.

We are both former targets of workplace bullying determined to provide knowledge and support for targets and work for respectful workplaces.

We offer a monthlyish newsletter, a local Vancouver area support group, and others across the country, for targets of workplace bullying.

We speak at conferences, produce articles for our website and much more.

We are also running a survey at present and will shortly be releasing the results.

This will be the first nationwide survey, supplying Canadian figures for a Canadian problem.

To join our mailing list, find out more about local support groups and get better informed, please visit our website.

We are at:

http://www.nobullyforme.org/

or

http://www.nobullyforme.ca/

and our survey is here:

http://www.nobullyforme.ca/cgi-bin/esurvey.cgi?action=viewSurvey&id=1123717406

Thanks!

In solidarity

Sincerely

Stephen Hill and Karen Learmonth

–
No Bully For Me
On the web:
http://www.nobullyforme.ca
or
http://www.nobullyforme.org
Email: nobullyforme@gmail.com

Comment from Debbie
Time: February 27, 2008, 8:26 am

Christy

Its nice to see this finally happening.I was bullied at school
in my teens for being overweight.Tried to tell my principle and counselor and was told to basically suck it up.So finally I just quit school.Now 25 yrs later I am a month away from graduating.I have 3 nieces and have told them about this over the years.I can only hope that they remember this when they see this happening to someone at their school and will help the victim. Keep up the good work Christy.

Debbie

Comment from Dirk Rohde
Time: February 27, 2008, 8:34 am

Thanks Christy! This has been a long time in coming. People need to be made aware that bullying encompasses much more than just the tough kid picking on the smaller kids. It’s the small gestures that can often have a huge emotional impact. Cindi Seddon, school principal and cofounder of Coquitlam’s Bully B’ware program, gives an excellent seminar on this.

As the president of the Kilmer Elementary School PAC in Port Coquitlam, I am doing my part to promote the wearing of pink!

Comment from Dirk Rohde
Time: February 27, 2008, 8:36 am

I forgot to mention the Bully Beware website. It’s http://www.bullybeware.com/.

Comment from Tammi
Time: February 27, 2008, 8:39 am

Great job Christy,

My son, who is 21 today, was bullied all of his years of school, from grade 2/3 right through to high school. We changed his schools and he had 1 year of peace, until he met up with these kids again in high school, as we live in a small town. This continued all throughout high school. I remember telling the vice principal, that if any kid turned to drugs, committed suicide or there was another school shooting, I would not be surprised, due to the torture these kids put my son through. He was picked on for no reason, he was just a target. I am proud to say that he is a very sucessful young man. He is working at Epcot Center in Florida, has a very nice girlfriend, who is from France, and has many, many friends in Florida. I am proud to say that he is one sucessful person, and has overcome what he was put through. Choosing today, his 21st birthday, for Wear Pink Day has a very special meaning to me, and I will be dressed, all in pink. Oh, and by the way, I spoke to him last night and he has is pink shirt ready to wear today. Thank you Christy, for speaking and standing up for those who are not heard. We are supporting this at work as well, and would like to see this to be an annual event.

Comment from Raul
Time: February 27, 2008, 8:40 am

Christy,

I linked to your page from my blog. As a young kid, I was bullied too, so here is my story:

http://hummingbird604.blogspot.com/2008/02/upcoming-events-bc-anti-bullying-day.html

Thank you for raising awareness for such an important issue.

Best wishes,
Raul

Comment from Lorena
Time: February 27, 2008, 8:45 am

Good Morning Christy,

I would just like to thank you for putting this website together. I work in a school located up on the North West Coast of B.C and yesterday one our Administrators mentioned on the announcements to everyone to wear pink today. Today many of the students and staff are wearing pink – if they don’t have pink on one of the staff members is handing out to each student or staff member a pink sticky to wear. A group picture of all those wearing pink at our school today will be taken to support “Anti Bullying Day.”

Comment from linda
Time: February 27, 2008, 9:52 am

I am wearing pink today!

Comment from shane grover
Time: February 27, 2008, 10:38 am

thank u cristy 4 brining this to everyone’s attention i amwearing pink today and showing my support agaist this horrable sittuation i was bullied 2 when i was a child 4 yrs and i am 2 proud 2 wear pink today

Comment from Lyn Thompson-Alcock
Time: February 27, 2008, 10:49 am

Lyn, Sarah, Ashley and Bev at Girls Inc of York Region in Newmarket Ontario support wearing pink!
We are dedicated to putting a stop to all bullying; bullying by children, youth and adults must end.

Comment from DMcComber
Time: February 27, 2008, 12:20 pm

While many of me and my co-workers appreciate the anti-bullying initiative for school aged kids, we fail to see how it prepares them for the workplace where bullying is rampant.
Why is bullying just a societal problem when it comes to children?
What about bully employers? Those who mandate 15% pay decreases, those who force overtime, those who refuse to negotiate in good faith?

Well, society, how about it?

Comment from Lisa
Time: February 27, 2008, 12:53 pm

It’s great to see people take a stand, but remember, bullying isnt always obvious… SOMETIMES FUN TEASING REALLY HURTS TOO!!!. As the good book says “LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOURS AS YOURSELF”, If we all take that advice and put it to action, we will all benifit!

Comment from Dory
Time: February 27, 2008, 2:25 pm

I have been listening all along to your programs on bullying. I too had to pull my daughter from a Pitt Meadows school who didn’t deal with her being bullied incessantly. We have changed her to another Pitt Meadows school and the change in her is remarkable. I feel every single school’s administration should deal with this issue correctly and not push it aside and hope it goes away, which is what the school did in our case. After asking and asking for help, finally the principal spoke to my daughter only, the victim, and said to her that she just needed to stay away from these girls and that her reaction to them was making them do it more. So, in essence, it was her fault. She was a sad girl who didn’t want to go to school for over a month at the beginning of the 2006 school year and then the principal says it’s her fault. It’s wrong and the schools who do this should be ashamed.
More power to you Christy and thank you so much for talking about this! I hope you will come back to this subject and check on the school system to make sure they are changing the way they deal with this issue.

Comment from Deborah LaBrash
Time: February 27, 2008, 3:15 pm

Thanks so much for starting this campain I feel it is very important one. I heard about the wear pink campain yesterday morning on the global news after getting off niteshift I went to sleep thinking about what we could do. When i woke up I called my daughter and ran an idea of getting our family pink t-shirts for tommorrow . We quickly found an anti-bulling logo and took it to a t-shirt place in town and had five pink t-shirts made for all our family aged thee to fify. When my daughter dropped the boys at school she was very dissapointed to only see onr teacher wearing pink.Se made a comment about this .The princiole heard this and looked at the t-shirt and thought they were pretty cool she says she is going to look into getting them made for all the teachers for next year. Lets hope so for next year. Keep it up we can all make a difference
Deb L.

Comment from Dianne
Time: February 27, 2008, 3:17 pm

Hi Christy, This is a wonderful thing you’re doing to bring awareness to bullying. My 13 year old son has been a victim of bullying. Both verbally and physically. He wrote a little verse last night in 5 min. obviously straight from the heart.

Imagine No Bullies
Imagine schools bully free. Not being afraid to come to school. No fear of your beliefs, religions, and what you wear. Think of what it would be like with no name calling, no bruises, and no hearts broken. Actually, being excited to go to school. Imagine being free of that curse of racism, and stereotyping other people. There would be friends, not enemies, older kids helping younger kids. Imagine no bullies, anyone haunting you, and no nightmares. Imagine if bullies were a figment of our imagination. No fears, not letting your fears interfere with your life. Imagine one world, together, no bullies.

Cameron – Wear Pink Day

Comment from Miss Mac
Time: February 27, 2008, 3:34 pm

I LOVE this idea, was really happy to see a lot of participants at my university wearing pink! It was a bit bittersweet though, as it didn’t end on a high note. I take the bus to and from uni, and usually it’s uneventful enough. Today, I thought it was a bit ironic that someone would try to bully me on the way home from school – a university at that!

The bus got to the stop in front of my uni, and we were waiting to get on. This girl I don’t even know started looking at me – you know the look if you’ve ever been bullied or jumped… She looked me up and down, watching as I took out my student card. I was aware of this so I kept my ID hidden and tried to break the game of eyecontact- no eyecontact-eyecontact she’s had going…she suddenly looked me in the eye and asked “do you have a problem with me?”

By now I’d caught onto what she was doing so I just blinked at her and said “sorry?” She got on the bus ahead of me, and I made sure she didn’t follow when I got off the bus.

Very scary. It’s got me wanting to drive to school more… or just walk the entire way to and from school… and I go to university. I thought we were past this. I guess not. That saddens me very deeply.

Comment from Natasha
Time: February 27, 2008, 6:11 pm

wear pink!!! say NO to bullying!!

Comment from Sue
Time: February 27, 2008, 7:17 pm

Thank you for helping bring this to BC.

As a child I was repeatedly swarmed in the years from grade 1 until grade 6. This occurred nearly daily and schools didn’t do much about it back then. I ended up repeating grade 4 because I withdrew while in school from the effects of all the bullying.

Why did they bully me? Well a few times I got in between kids picking on a kid with epilepsy. Saying all sorts of old tales about why he was having his seizures and being cruel. I got in the middle trying to stop it when some kids were bothering others over their race. Also I happen to be multiply handicaped and was integrated into school at a time it was very much taboo to do. My parents didn’t feel I belonged at residential school. So I even at times faced hostility from other teachers. At one school in the town I had been to, the principle was part of a social service organization my father was also in. He and I had a chat on it and he didn’t like the teachers conduct either but at the time there wasn’t much recourse over that either.

I could of been like one of the kids that died from the attacks. I was lucky and survived long enough that eventually kids moved on from the physical assaults. Maybe a movement like this will stop the psychological and long term physical damage. Some of my health issues I deal with are linked to the abuse from bullying I experienced as a child.

Comment from michelle
Time: February 27, 2008, 7:58 pm

It was awesome today! my school was filled with pink. I’m so glad people are willing to wear pink and say no to bullying. I was proud to be one person that said no to bullying. It may not seem much but it made me feel like I didn’t want to let others get hurt. I was happy to come to school today and see pink. Some teachers forgot and was asking other teachers if they had something they could borrow. Well one of the K teachers ended up making a hat out of pink construction paper. I thought it looked silly but its the thought that counts. GREAT JOB! TODAY WAS A SUCESS. SAY NO TO BULLYING TAKE A STAND!

YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!GO PINK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
NO BULLYING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!AND ONCE AGAIN GREAT JOB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Comment from MaggieJane
Time: February 27, 2008, 10:21 pm

I am a 64 year old woman who was proud today to wear pink. My 71 year old lawyer husband also wore a pink shirt to work. It was quite wonderful to see so many people all over the lower mainland joining in and wearing pink and smiling at one another to acknowledge that we were all in this together. I saw so many school children of all ages and genders wearing pink shirts.

I am so pleased to hear that you plan to carry this forward next year and hope that spousal bullying will be a focus on one of the programs next year.

Please have tee shirts available for us to buy – perhaps as a fundraiser!!

Great Job Christy and CKNW!!!

Comment from Margot C. Ware
Time: February 27, 2008, 11:00 pm

You go girl!

Silence only breeds tolerance but together we can make a difference!

God Bless.

Comment from Victor Liu
Time: February 27, 2008, 11:43 pm

Hi Christy, this is victor. I just wanna say that its a good thing that a lotta ppl r taking a stand against bullying and i myself have been bullied throughout my whole life, *mostly* physically and verbally but what i wanna ask is, is there really an end to bullying? will wearing pink and taking a stand against it make it go away? bullying has always been a part of human history and it always will be in the future no matter wat happens. It leads people to doin things they dont want to, for example i used to have urges of jus finishing off the people who used to continously bully me but ofcourse i stopped myself from doin so since im not good at holding grudges but the only answer that i see towards bullying is violence which shudnt be an option for anything right? If not then how can helpless people out there stop the bullies from bullying them? ive done it bfore, ive fought back a few people who used to bully me but it jus doesnt seem to stop and i dont think anyone out there can do anything bout it, it never ends and one day the person being bullied will have to pay the price.

Comment from Elizabeth
Time: February 27, 2008, 11:48 pm

I would like to throw my support behind No Bully For Me.
(Hi Karen, Hi Stephen).

A former Target of workplace aggression up to and including psychological abuse and bullying. After following all procedures I was supposed to follow, there simply seemed to be nowhere to turn – and I was completely flummoxed.

It was then I realized I needed to join some sort of support group or outreach program or some combination or derivitive thereof in order to forge ahead and move past this upheaval.

I literally stumbled across No Bully For Me. I happened to hear the last 15 seconds of some interview – to this day I still have no idea where or when. But the words I made out were Thank You and No Bully For Me.

In need of being able to make sense out of a “nonsense”-ical situation (in addition to dealing with the trauma) I was able to find out about available resources and other information enabling me to pick up the pieces.

I simply cannot say enough about the No Bully For Me support group for adult Targets of workplace bullying. It is such a relief to be able to discuss this out in the open – in a safe, calm and confidential place where everyone – including the friends or relatives or caretakers of Targets are welcome. It is not about doom and gloom – we share practical tips and enjoy brainstorming. Laughter is also shared along the way. There are people who attend regularly, pop in once only, or come every few meetings.

If you are being targeted by a bully and/or are being mobbed in your workplace, please know that there is help and support at No Buly For Me.

And finally, I would like to thank you Christy and CKNW for being willing to include the topic of workplace bullying.

Beth

Comment from Gerald Walton
Time: February 28, 2008, 6:17 am

I think it’s great what the two kids in Nova Scotia have done. I also think it’s great that so many people have jumped on board to challenge bullies and bullying. However, I think it is unfortunate that, in the hands of other people such as Christy Clark, the campaign has been stripped of its original context which was to challenge homophobic bullying, specifically. The kid was teased for being a “fag” because he wore pink. Challenging bullying as a generic issue is great, but stripping it away from the fact that some people are targeted because they are perceived as “different” misses out on educational opportunities. So, let’s not only challenge bullying, let’s also challenge fear and hatred of difference that shows itself in homophobia, islamaphobia, misogyny, and other forms of hate.

Gerald.

Comment from Strik
Time: February 28, 2008, 7:35 am

I wear Pink and i’m not gay

Comment from Chris Holden
Time: February 28, 2008, 8:19 am

Hi! The Grade 6B class at Greentree Elementary School in Drumheller, AB saw the coverage on the news and is so enthusiastic that we are letting them wear pink on Friday the 29th! They want so badly to do it and even though we are a couple days late, the kids are jumping on board and looking forward to it!

Comment from Catharina Leidel
Time: February 28, 2008, 12:48 pm

Hello Christy,

Bullying today:
From the cradle to the grave
nature gone astray.

Comment from hello
Time: February 28, 2008, 7:40 pm

ya we did this a few days ago in our elementry school
it was awsome!!!!!!!!!!!

Comment from xjcafbshd
Time: February 29, 2008, 7:35 am

I sometimes get bullied and i dont like it

Comment from John
Time: February 29, 2008, 7:38 am

Stop Bulling Please Canada

Comment from Nolan
Time: February 29, 2008, 7:42 am

this webite was a great idea and it has supported kids all around Canada in my small town and i also got many invitations from multiple friends some from toronto,ottawa and even a few from british columbia (i got these ones through facebook) so i know that this site has helped many

Comment from Brandon
Time: February 29, 2008, 7:49 am

i agree with nolan

Comment from Bubbles/ Ricky/ Julian
Time: February 29, 2008, 7:50 am

People that help the people getting bullied are COOL!!!!!!!!!!!

Comment from Jeanne Losier
Time: March 6, 2008, 4:52 pm

i’m so sorry i didn’t know about the pink day , i wish you would have made more publicity , i received a video from by brother on my facebook with the difference in time i only saw it the next day , i am 45 yrs old , i’m from Tracadie ,New Brunswick , Canada , i was bullied walking home from school everyday , in the little grades ,from a boy , they were twins, one was an angel the other was a bully , he would take my scarf and bully me all the way home even destroying my snow man right in my yard , he even bullied our dog teasing him at the end of his rope everyday he came to deliver the newspaper,till the dog coudn’t take it anymore , one day when he came to deliver the paper , the dog was in the house that day , and he just saw him pass in our yard and he jumped trough the window , and chased him up the tree , i don’t have to tell you we laughted our head off , I’m very proud of those 2 boys . for standing up to that little boy . You bet i will be the first to wear pink next year and i will put his name in front of my t shirt , i was bullied by J-G P.

Comment from Norma Trainor
Time: March 7, 2008, 8:44 am

Hi Christy,

So glad to see that awareness is being raise about bullying. My daughter attends a school in the North Vancouver School District. She is in grade 7 and does not have a signal friend in her grade at that school. Isn’t exclusion a form of bullying? The school wanted to counsel my daughter but my daughter didn’t want councelling. She thought the problem is with the people that have excluded her. I happen to think she is right. But because my daughter didn’t want the councelling it stopped there. There is a real problem at this school with exclusion. My daughter spends her recess and lunch walking around by herself and nobody ever asks her to hang out. The exclusion is starting to filter into the internet. One girl in particular has started speaking to my daughters friend that she has made from another school and is trying to be friends. I can only guess why at this point because those girls never like each other until recent. Girls are sneeky and they bully in such a way that is not notice, only by the victim. I have asked the school to contact parents, to date they haven’t. I think that until parents and school come together on this issue things won’t really change. Even if you don’t print this I would just like some advise, thanks for your website Christy.

Comment from A McDonald
Time: March 11, 2008, 10:16 am

Hello

Not quite sure how to get this started, I’ve never addressed this topic in this manner before.
Hi, my name is Al; I am a victim/survivor of bullying.

If that sounds similar to how some people working to cope with a disease might address a room, the resemblance is purely intentional.
For isn’t that how it is for those of us who have been subjected to terrifying levels of bullying, we have been told for so long by so many we are defective, diseased, that we become consumed trying to find and cure these flaws.
Being asked in disdain “what is wrong with you?” daily forces you to start asking those questions of yourself.

I am now in my early forties, and my life is in shambles.
I have no system based schooling beyond grade 10, school was as fearful a place as one could imagine, getting away was equivalent to escaping from hell.
I have never been able to maintain gainful employment, a snide remark, or less than polite criticism, even a friendly jibe, can reignite uncontrollable conditioned responses, ranging from blushing from embarrassment to physical nausea.
I have been in therapy off and on for years, but to no avail. There tends to be a common theme among clinicians, “lets get you out there and make you a productive member of society, we will give you counseling, training and job placement, here try this prescription.

Do we give soldiers who are shell shocked a pill and send them back to the front?
Sounds a bit too dramatic considering the subject?

Fair enough, this next question is closer to the reality.

Do we give torture victims a pill and send them to work along side those who conducted their torture?

Still think that sounds extreme?
If you do, you have not been subjected to continual and repeated bullying.
Ask someone who has been through it, who is going through it, how it feels being forced to face your tormentors on a daily basis, knowing what awaits you.
That level of fear inflicted on a continual basis could not be thought of as anything less than slow torture.

I have become introverted, finding time spent around other people, particularly groups and strangers, exhausting.
Self doubt is ingrained, when your thoughts focus on trying to find the things wrong that others have so tenaciously pointed out, reinforcing your strengths becomes a deliberate conscious effort.

Really that is just the tip of the iceberg, the list of negative effects from bullying im sure would fill several texts.

It is nice to see society finally catching on to just how detrimental bullying is, I personally can attest to just how damaging bullying at school and at home can be.

But I cannot help but once again feeling left out of the loop.

I cannot maintain employment, but have been denied any type of help based on a disability.
Wherever I turn for help there is a roadblock, whether it is lack of understanding, or maybe it’s just easier to let someone fall through the cracks, I don’t know.

I am a highly intelligent person, and have been told that works against me, if I am able to sit down and explain intelligently what is wrong with me, and why I am this way, then I must be able to get a job.
To a certain extent I agree, I can get a job, in fact ive landed pretty much every job I went after, they just don’t last more than a day or two. Followed by weeks of self evaluation and anxiety.

There needs to be a concerted effort to treat us walking wounded, the bullying survivors who like me fight each and every day just to survive.

My own situation finds me facing another failed relationship, no job, no money, fading hope and the very real likelihood that very soon I will be homeless. Something I have experienced before in my late teens, the prospect seems much scarier now than it did then.
Those around us see only what is in front of them, on the surface I am a man in his early 40’s that cannot hold a job and support his family.
On the surface to those with nothing more than an opinion at stake I am a bum.

As the clock on my life ticks by, it becomes harder and harder each day not to believe them.

I write this now not knowing who might ever read it, not knowing if by this I could ever find help, the only thing I am sure of as this comes to a close, I have so much to offer and I have been struggling through this my entire life and I’m not ready to give up yet.

Sincerely
A McD

Comment from doreen
Time: May 1, 2008, 8:51 am

I my opinion bullying is a way of getting attention in a negative form as this is the only way the bully can do it…If I can’t be the best nice person I will be the best at being a (bad)bully SAD…Then they get a group of suck up followers. Does anyone think that uniforms in schools would help eliminate some of the bullying problems? I know a lot of status/popularity is based on how you are dressed at least that is one area the schools can control..this would put everyone on the same fashion level…If you need individuality do that after school..after all we are there to learn

Comment from doreen
Time: May 1, 2008, 8:56 am

I my opinion bullying is a way of getting attention in a negative form as this is the only way the bully can do it…If I can’t be the best nice person I will be the best at being a (bad)bully SAD…Then they get a group of suck up followers. Does anyone think that uniforms in schools would help eliminate some of the bullying problems? I know a lot of status/popularity is based on how you are dressed at least that is one area the schools can control..this would put everyone on the same fashion level…If you need individuality do that after school..after all we are there to learn. Uniforms must be a good thing as we have some parents waiting in lines for days to get there kids into these schools. Congratulations to the Pink Boys…you are fantastic …thanks for taking a stand you created a long list of followers.

Comment from Sarbear
Time: May 3, 2008, 4:50 pm

i think this is a great oppurtunity for people to stand up to bullying
we just had this happen at my school in February and it worked very well
the only thing i am wondering about is:
why is it pink that is the chosen colour? Pink is supposed to represent Breast Cancer awareness.
why not purple? (another feminine colour, also the national gay colour) or any other colour?

Comment from stephanie gani
Time: June 25, 2008, 4:23 am

stop bullying!!
it’s really funny and strange.
my birthday was in 27 february and i like pink colour.
i agree with this statement.
wear pink and no bullying!!

regret,
steph ^^v

Comment from Liz
Time: August 4, 2008, 12:24 am

MY daughter was bullied for a whole school year in 5th grade then again for 5 months in high school. It is a horrible experience and frustrating. In my house we were all fighting I was doing what I knew was right and my family was saying to fight her or ignore it. Fighting isn’t the answer and ignoring it doesn’t work. What I have come to find out bullying to me is a form of stalking they just keep on and on. This is what my daughter told me it would feel like in class. When she was in 5th grade and I was employed at her school no one did anything about it, not even when she came to me with a bruise on her arm from the bully. This experience taught me to be a stronger and more up front or else type of mom. So when this happened again in high school I wasn’t going to back down. I let my daughter deal with it on her own because she wanted to for 4 months then the beginning of the 5th month, my daughter’s life was threatened it was my turn to deal with this. I was at her school at least 3 times a week talking to the assistant principal, who this girl completely ignored and disrespected until the police were involved. It is ashame how these kids won’t respect the principals or even the police at times. When the officer mentioned to the girl I was getting a restraining order and if she in anyway ignored it she would be going to jail. WOW all of a sudded seemed like my daughter had a new best friend. We need more principals that are willing to get involved and confront these issues head on instead of heading to their office and letting the Vice principals dealing with it. I will be wearing my pink you better believe it!

Comment from Michelle Moscovitz
Time: October 17, 2008, 7:44 pm

I’m Vietnamese. I also wanna wear PINK….

Comment from Kameron
Time: December 16, 2008, 10:02 am

Hey, Brian. It’s NOT stupid. Nothing can be defined as meant for JUST one thing… So, why make it like that.