Held annually in communities across Canada, Pink Shirt Day encourages people to take a stand against bullying and discrimination.

Also known as Anti-Bullying Day, the event asks participants to show their support by wearing pink to their schools and workplaces. This year’s official t-shirts feature the theme “Sprinkle Kindness” — a playful reminder that kindness grows when shared.

Pink Shirt Day organizers also promote kindness and inclusion through school outreach, offering a special 45-minute broadcast educators can sign up to receive. The broadcast is organized by WITS Foundation, a Canadian charity dedicated to creating safe environments for children and youth. Learn more on the Pink Shirt Day Canada website.

Events like Pink Shirt Day matter because the effects of bullying extend far beyond childhood. Being victimized early in life has been linked to anxiety, depression and suicidality, and studies show these mental health challenges can persist into middle age. To learn more about how bullying impacts child mental health, read Vol. 15, No. 4 of the Children’s Mental Health Research Quarterly.