Pink is for courage

On February 22, residents are invited to wear pink as part of Pink Shirt Day, as a visual support to end bullying. People are also encouraged to show their support and kindness online using the hashtags #PinkShirtDay and #StandUp to help spread the awareness of standing up to bullying behaviour.

According to PrevNet (www.prevnet.ca) – Canada’s authority on bullying, 75% of people reported being affected by bullying. Half of all Canadian students report bullying is a problem at their high school. Bullying can cause serious harm - children who are bullied suffer increased risk for headaches, depression and anxiety and children who bully or have been bullied are at increased risk for suicide.

Peers are present in 90% of bullying incidents; when peers intervene most incidents stop within 10 seconds. Witnesses to bullying can help by not encouraging bullying, telling the bully to stop, getting help and supporting the person who is being targeted.

Alberta statistics indicate 92% of Albertans agree they have a personal responsibility to reduce bullying in their community and 28% of Albertans believe bullying is just a “normal” part of growing up. (Source: Human Services, 2016 Albertans’ Perceptions of Family Violence and Bullying Survey, March 2016)

In late 2016, Strathcona County residents were asked, through ‘Community Talk’, which social priorities were important for the County to achieve. The results (released on February 14, 2017) indicate 88.4% of people agreed it is important people in Strathcona County feel safe and be free from physical and emotional harm. However, only 56.2% of youth (age 11-17) currently believe this is true right now. 

Residents are reminded help is available to anyone experiencing or concerned about bullying. Call Family and Community Services at 780-464-4044.

Set in the centre of Alberta’s energy and agricultural heartland, Strathcona County is a thriving, successful and vibrant community of almost 96,000 residents. Strathcona County is made up of the urban area of Sherwood Park and a large adjacent rural area of farms, acreages and smaller hamlets. It is home to 75 per cent of refining in Western Canada. With a focus on economic, governance, social, cultural and environmental sustainability, Strathcona County is committed to balancing the unique needs of its diverse community.

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Contact: Strathcona County Communications, 780-410-6595