Students get involved in this year’s annual anti-bullying campaign, “Nice Needs No Filter!”
Reeves College students from across Alberta took a stand against bullying on February 28th for Pink Shirt Day. Initially starting out in a small town in Nova Scotia, the annual campaign has spread its impact across the globe – providing much needed awareness, and raising funds to support local anti-bullying programs. Having a day dedicated to bullying brings the seriousness of bullying to the forefront.
This year’s initiative focused on online bullying – “Nice Needs No Filter!” With the dominance of the digital space, individuals are increasingly now being targeted online – and it’s starting from a young age on social media sites. According to Statistics Canada, around 19% of Canadian children have experienced cyberbullying or stalking online.
“In today’s digital world, it can be impossible to escape online bullying, whether it takes the shape of harassment, spreading rumours, sharing embarrassing information or threats,” said Pink Shirt organizers. “This year, Pink Shirt Day is encouraging others to combat cyberbullying by thinking twice before posting something negative, and instead using the internet to spread kindness - because we know that Nice Needs No Filter!”
“Pink Shirt Day was a huge success,” said Al Robson, campus director at Reeves College Calgary North campus. “We completely sold out of all of our shirts and almost everyone wore one! Our students all generally get along and we do not have any cases regarding bullying. Our school has a lot of love and support.”
Donning pink shirts as a show of support, Reeves College students raised $900 for CKNW Kids' Fund and CKNW 980 which distributes funds to more than 59,000 organizations across Canada – organizations such as Boys and Girls Clubs of Western Canada and Red Cross Canada who focus on boosting children’s self-esteem.
Find out how you can get involved with community initiatives at Reeves College by following along on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
You can also learn more about Reeves College by visiting reevescollege.ca.