BSJ Stands United Against Bullying on Pink Shirt Day

Pink Shirt Day originated in Canada in 2007 when a student was bullied for wearing a pink shirt to school. Two other students decided to stand up for this student. After talking to friends that evening and sending the message along, the following day, 800 students came to school wearing pink shirts in solidarity with the one student who was bullied. What started as a small act of support has since grown into a global movement, reminding young people that they have a voice and the power to stand up against bullying, discrimination, and hate. Research shows that upstanders, those who take action to support others, are the most effective in stopping bullying.

At BSJ, students were actively involved in the weeks leading up to Pink Shirt Day. They designed posters, stickers, and temporary tattoos to spread awareness. The Student Wellness Council and Wellbeing Ambassadors in Secondary School, along with the Compassionate Systems Ambassadors in Primary School, organised wellbeing sessions to educate younger students on the significance of the day.

This marks the fourth year that the BSJ community has celebrated Pink Shirt Day. On 26 February 2025, the campus was filled with vibrant student-designed posters and banners. Students and staff proudly wore pink shirts to represent #BSJUpstanders, reinforcing the message of standing up for others. Parents joined in by purchasing student-designed items, participating in classroom activities, and learning about the origins of Pink Shirt Day. All donations from the event will support Sudah Dong, an organisation dedicated to educating young people in Indonesia on how to take a stand against bullying.

The day’s events concluded with a powerful assembly in Secondary School, where BSJ’s Head of Wellbeing, Andrea Downie, led a panel discussion featuring students and staff. During lunchtime, the Student Wellness Council hosted engaging activities that encourage kindness and inclusion within the school community.

We hope that the conversations sparked by Pink Shirt Day continue at school and at home, inspiring our community to stand up for others and make a difference. One act of kindness at a time.

#BSJUpstanders #PinkShirtDay