Saying no to bullying with a pink breakfast
Staff members and pupils at a south Auckland primary school have demonstrated zero tolerance for bullying by organising a pink-themed breakfast.
Karaka School has shown its support for the Pink Shirt Day movement, the national anti-bullying campaign led by the Mental Health Foundation.
The event displayed the school’s commitment to creating a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for all students.
‘‘New Zealand has some of the highest rates of bullying in schools in the world but there’s no room for it at Karaka School,’’ principal Sarah Hynds said.
In an effort to speak up, stand together and stop bullying, the school invited members from the wider community to the breakfast.
Hynds said by talking about bullying and working towards a culture that supports and celebrates the diversity of all students, young people can feel safe and supported, and flourish at school.
Before the breakfast, children were asked to describe what bullying meant to them.
‘‘Pink Shirt Day is about a boy who wore a pink shirt to school one day and got bullied, and people supported him by wearing a pink shirt,’’ student Louise said.
Another pupil Riley said, ‘‘just because someone wears something that is different doesn’t mean that we can bully them’’.
Principal Hynds said: ‘‘Many studies show that young people who are bullied are more likely to experience mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.’’
It can impact children’s learning, relationships, and their ability to feel good about who they are, she adds.
Young pupil Declan was proud to wear pink, saying: ‘‘It’s good to wear pink to raise awareness for those that have been bullied.’’
And student Jessica said the event is about ‘‘being brave and standing up for others.’’
For more information visit https:/ /www.pinkshirtday.org.nz/