Bullying is something that can have long lasting effects on children who experience it as well as children who are doing the bullying. It is important that we all work to end bullying both in schools and in other parts of life as well.
Today, February 9th, is Safer Internet Day. Safer Internet Day is an initiative focused on reducing cyberbullying and promoting responsible Internet use. Bullying isn’t just getting beat up on the playground. In fact, these days bullying on the internet is much more prevalent. Shaw Communications and key partners have come together to end bullying both online and off.
Starting today, Shaw is asking Canadians to work toward ending bullying by sharing their personal pledges on social media using #PinkShirtPromise. Participants can also post a photo of their pinky or a photo of themselves making a pinky promise with a friend or family member using #PinkyPromise, and then nominate three friends to do the same to promote accountability and maintain commitment to the promise.
Everyone who participates in the campaign between Feb 9 and Feb 24th will be entered for a chance to win an ET Canada Experience, which includes flights for two to Toronto and two nights hotel accommodation, and a $1,500 dollar shopping spree at a participating shopping centre. Visit www.shaw.ca/pinkshirtpromise to learn more.
#PinkShirtPromise is part of the Shaw Kids Investment Program (SKIP). It brings together the expertise, knowledge, and resources of community partners from across the country including:
- Youthlink Calgary
- Canadian Centre for Child Protection
- Kids Help Phone
- MediaSmarts
- Companies Committed to Kids
- Rock Solid Foundation
Think bullying isn’t a problem? Think again!
“Bullying is one of the most common concerns we hear about at Kids Help Phone, and the effect that is had on young people—both emotionally and physically—is significant, regardless of whether they are being bullied or doing the bullying. We’re proud to stand in partnership with Shaw Communications to make a #PinkShirtPromise, and create safer and friendlier communities for all kids in Canada.”
Sharon Wood, President and Chief Executive Officer, Kids Help Phone
The key to stopping bullying is to educate kids, parents and schools about what is and isn’t bullying and standing up, united, against it.
“YouthLink Calgary is very proud to partner with Shaw to stand up against bullying. At YouthLink Calgary Police Interpretive Centre, we believe education is the key to prevention and every day our educators teach youth that whenever one person takes a stand, it helps other people to do the same. We applaud Shaw and the #PinkShirtPromise campaign for encouraging people to take action. We stand shoulder to shoulder to help empower kids and make our communities and schools a safer place for kids to be.”
Tara Robinson, Executive Director, Youthlink Calgary
So wear pink, stick out your pinky for a pinky promise and let’s end bullying! Stay tuned for more great #PinkShirtPromise events in Calgary and across Canada!