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Power to prevent bullying

14 May, 2013

 

Friday  17th May 2013 is Pink Shirt Day, a national campaign to raise awareness about the power everyone has to prevent and reduce bullying.

For long established youth development organisation, Youthline, this is a day to empower and inspire communities and individuals to take a stand against bullying and make positive change.

Youthline Manukau Centre Manager and Pink Shirt Day Committee Member, Hannah Sellars says bullying is a very real issue for all age ranges, particularly young people.

“Each year up to 2500 young people contact Youthline’s  national 0800 helpline and free txt service for support around bullying, and there will be plenty more who haven’t yet been able to reach out.”

May 17 is also International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia. To mark both occasions, guest speaker Dr Duane McWaine, the U.S Ambassadors spouse will be addressing paid and volunteer staff at youthline Central Auckland about creative solutions to grow awareness around bullying, followed by a morning tea. The Youthline Manukau team will be hosting a breakfast and of course everyone will be donning pink shirts!

Youthline is encouraging other organisations, corporate companies , community groups, schools and individuals to celebrate Pink Shirt Day.

“For workplaces it’s a great opportunity to host a breakfast for staff, review your workplace anti-bullying and complaints policy, talk to your employees about communication, and promote activities that better connect your teams. Schools might consider allowing students to wear pink shirts, or hosting a lunchtime anti bullying seminar, individuals might simply ask a mate how they’re getting on.

The point is that we’re all doing something to help create an Aotearoa where everyone feels safe, valued and respected,” says Sellars.

Youthline are also looking at how they can continue to bring this vision to life beyond Pink Shirt Day.

“We’re currently working with another organisation, Bluelight, to build a youth led anti bullying campaign – the starting point for this is a hui in June where up to 80 young people will get together to come up with some key anti bullying messages which they’ll then take back  into their communities.”

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