Students are encouraged to wear pink on 15 May to stand against bullying across Aotearoa and support a respectful and inclusive school community.
On Friday 15 May, Onehunga High School will take part in Pink Shirt Day, a nationwide event that encourages schools and communities across Aotearoa to stand together against bullying. This event is student led and organised by the Service Council.
Pink Shirt Day highlights the importance of treating others with respect and creating a school environment where everyone feels safe and included. It is also an opportunity to reflect on the different ways bullying can affect young people, both in person and online. Bullying can take many forms, including verbal comments, social exclusion, online behaviour, and repeated actions that cause harm to others. Pink Shirt Day encourages students to think carefully about how their words and actions affect people around them and the role everyone can play in supporting others.
A key message of Pink Shirt Day is the importance of being an “upstander” rather than a bystander. An upstander is someone who chooses to support others, speak up respectfully, include people who may feel left out, or seek help from a trusted adult when needed. Small actions can make a meaningful difference and help create a safer and more supportive school community.
At Onehunga High School, Pink Shirt Day reflects the values of respect, inclusion, and manaakitanga that are important within our school community. Students are invited to wear pink as part of a non-uniform day and bring a gold coin donation in support of the event.
The Service Council encourages all students and staff to get involved and support this important kaupapa.
What is bullying?
Bullying is repeated behaviour that causes harm to another person or group. It can be physical, verbal, social, or online and may include actions such as exclusion, spreading rumours, hurtful comments, or cyberbullying.
Why do some people get bullied?
People can experience bullying for many different reasons, including differences in culture, appearance, religion, sexuality, gender identity, ability, or background. Pink Shirt Day reminds us that diversity should be respected and that everyone deserves to feel accepted for who they are.
Why do some people bully others?
There are many reasons why someone may bully others. Sometimes people are dealing with personal challenges, want attention or power, or may not understand the impact of their behaviour. While bullying behaviour is not acceptable, support and guidance are also important.
Why prevent bullying?
Bullying can affect wellbeing, confidence, relationships, and learning. Creating a respectful and supportive environment helps ensure that all students feel safe, included, and able to participate positively in school life. Pink Shirt Day encourages everyone to be an upstander and help create a community where bullying is not accepted.
