International Stand Up to Bullying Day is observed twice a year in February and November. In February, it is on the last Friday of the month while in November, the day takes place on the third Friday of the month. It will next be observed on February 28. The observations in February are a part of the Anti-Bullying Week that aims to create empathy and end bullying and harassment. It’s observed by schools, workplaces, and organizations in more than 25 countries. Bullying can have lasting effects on a person’s psyche, and it is important to recognize instances of bullying and put an end to them immediately.
History of International Stand Up to Bullying Day
International Stand Up to Bullying Day emerged from the acts of two Nova Scotian 12 graders. Travis Price and David Shepherd stood up and protested when a fellow student was picked on for wearing a pink shirt. They bought 50 pink shirts at a discount store and emailed their classmates asking them to wear the pink shirts that they had bought the following day, to create a “sea of pink” to support the bullied student. Many students wore the shirts while the rest came to school in their own pink clothes. Their act of creativity and kindness gained notice around Canada, the United States of America, and other countries. By the following year, International Stand Up to Bullying Day had gone viral in many countries across the world.
International Stand Up to Bullying Day is a semi-annual event that takes place in both February and November. The November event coincides with Anti-Bullying Week. Those participating in the day sign and wear pink “pledge shirts” to take a public stand against bullying. The shirts convey displeasure for bullying and extend support to the victims. It is a non-confrontational way to stand up against bullies. It first took place in February 2008, when 236 schools, workplaces, and organizations participated by wearing pink pledge shirts. Each participating school, workplace, or organization hosts its stand with aid provided by event coordinators. Organizations such as Bully Help Initiatives are committed to developing effective support structures for victims.
International Stand Up to Bullying Day timeline
Georgia passes the first anti-bullying law.
The California State Legislature passes a law directly related to cyberbullying.
Canada passes an anti-bullying law.
Montana is the last state to adopt the law.
International Stand Up to Bullying Day FAQs
What is anti-bullying?
Anti-bullying refers to laws, policies, organizations, and movements aimed at stopping or preventing bullying. Bullying is a situation where a person, called a bully, verbally or physically threatens or assaults a person, causing the person to feel a real or perceived power imbalance.
What is the purpose of pink shirts on International Stand Up to Bullying Day?
Pink shirts aim to reduce bullying by celebrating diversity in all its forms and supporting workplaces, communities, and schools to be safe, supportive, welcoming, and inclusive of all people.
Is cyberbullying a crime in America?
There is no federal law regarding cyberbullying, but most states have made some sort of effort to address this growing issue. Some have explicit criminal laws against it, while others require school or district policies to mitigate its effects. Still, others view cyberbullying as a form of criminal harassment.
How to Observe International Stand Up to Bullying Day
Wear pink
Take a stand against bullying. Extend your support to victims by wearing a pink shirt on International Stand Up to Bullying Day.
Raise awareness
Post about the day to your social media accounts and tell people about the importance of the day. You can also post helpline numbers and the legal steps that a victim can take against bullies.
Organize an event at your workplace
If your workplace doesn’t observe the day, let HR know that you would like to encourage your coworkers to join you in the observation. It’s valuable in the workplace as well.
5 Facts About Bullying That You Should Know
Bullying is a serious issue in America
One in five students aged 12 to 18 has been bullied during the school year.
Bullying makes students skip school
About 160,000 teens have ditched school because of bullying.
The major reported form of bullying
Verbal harassment is most common at 79%, followed by social harassment at 50%, physical bullying (29%), and cyberbullying (25%).
Bullying can lead to poor scores
Bullied students ranked lower in reading, mathematics, and science than their peers.
Older students report bullying less
Only 39% of high schoolers notify an adult of bullying.
Why International Stand Up to Bullying Day is Important
A day to take a stand
International Stand Up to Bullying Day is the best way to take a stand against bullying and harassment at your school, workplace, or organization. Take a stand today.
It makes spaces inclusive
International Stand Up to Bullying Day hopes to create spaces that are inclusive for everyone. No one feels left out or uncomfortable.
Hopes for a better future
International Stand Up to Bullying Day imagines a future where no one is bullied and everyone gets along. It envisions a better future for all.
International Stand Up to Bullying Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | November 18 | Friday |
| 2023 | February 24 | Friday |
| 2023 | November 17 | Friday |
| 2024 | February 23 | Friday |
| 2024 | November 15 | Friday |
| 2025 | February 28 | Friday |
| 2025 | November 21 | Friday |
| 2026 | February 27 | Friday |
| 2026 | November 20 | Friday |
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