In a perfect world, bullying would not exist and we wouldn’t have to worry about standing up to bullies and work together to help end bullying.
Disclaimer – This post was written in partnership with TELUS. All thoughts and opinions expressed on this blog are my own.
Sadly, this is not the case, and bullying does exist. It’s not only an issue kids and teens have to deal with, but bullying affects adults as well.
Now that Little One is ten years old, she uses tech and the internet for a lot of her school work. It is important to me to make sure she is safe online. I’m concerned about her internet safety when it comes to strangers online, but also when it comes to peers.
I understand that many of her peers are also online, and with all the social apps available. I have only recently allowed Little One to be online for more than just homework or research for school projects. I have allowed her to have a few apps approved by me so that she can keep in touch with her friends and cousins. It is my job to make sure Little One has the knowledge and understanding to use her device appropriately. I definitely do not think technology and the internet are “bad”, however, I want Little One to keep the dialogue going with my husband and myself. If a peer messages her something inappropriate or hurtful, we want her to be able to come to us and talk about it.
I have a few friends whose children have been bullied online and offline. Sometimes tweens and teens do not come out and tell parents their problems, and parents have no clue what is really going on. We discussed what to do if one’s child is a victim of online bullying. I am reminded of Amanda Todd’s legacy and how bullied youth empower others to choose kindness.
Pink Shirt Day
Wednesday, February 27 is Pink Shirt Day, also known as Anti-Bullying Day, a day when people wear a pink shirt to symbolise a stand against bullying.
It is celebrated on various dates around the world (180 countries worldwide). Pink Shirt Day originated in Canada in 2007. It’s inspired by the story of two Nova Scotia teens who invited students at their school to wear pink as a show of support for another student who was bullied for wearing a pink shirt.
The movement is now a powerful testament to the impact we can have when we choose to help others rise above bullying by offering compassion and support.
Help End Bullying
Did you know that TELUS has their #EndBullying campaign and the TELUS Wise Digital pledge? Both the #EndBullying campaign and TELUS Wise Digital Pledge go hand in hand with Pink Shirt Day.
Will you take the pledge and stand up and help help end bullying?
Wear Pink on Pink Shirt Day
Along with Carol Todd and thousands of Canadians, I am standing up to bullying on February 27th (and every day)! Carol Todd’s daughter, Amanda Todd, died by suicide in 2012, after suffering relentless bullying, cyberbullying and sextortion. Since her death, Carol has embarked on a journey to help put an end to bullying and raise awareness of mental health issues. 
As a parent, I too am passionate about helping end bullying and encouraging kids, tweens, teens, and adults alike to choose kindness. Little One and I will be wearing pink tomorrow. Will your kids be wearing pink too?
This is a great initiative of Telus. I remember when I first heard about Amanda Todd. Such a traffic story.