For Immediate Release
February 22, 2011
On February 23, 2011 CASW encourages social workers to wear a Pink Shirt in solidarity against all forms of bullying.
“There are people of all ages that live in fear of bullies in their schools, workplace, and homes and over the Internet,” says CASW President, Darlene MacDonald. “Wearing pink on February 23rd is a simple act of solidarity that demonstrates to those experiencing bullying that they are not alone.”
The Pink Shirt Day (http://www.pinkshirtday.ca/) movement in Canada originated in Nova Scotia where a new high-school student was being bullied and harassed when he showed up at school wearing a pink T-shirt. Since this powerful act of solidarity, Pink Shirt Day has made its way across Canada and is now internationally recognized.
In Canada, studies suggest that roughly 6% of students aged 12 to 19; report bullying others on a weekly basis, 8% report that they are victims of bullying weekly, and 1% report that they are both victimized and bully others on a weekly basis
“As grassroots youth movements like Pink Shirt Day grow in strength and solidarity of purpose,” stated MacDonald, “Public awareness to bullying and its lasting effects on victims grow, making bullying in all forms less and less acceptable.”
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For more information:
Darlene MacDonald, MSW, RSW
President
casw@casw-acts.ca
Tel.: 613.729.6668
Fax. 613.729.9608