Nova Scotia schools rally against bullies

By Christy Marsters

The Hants Journal/NovaNewsNow.com



Three Mile Plains Elementary was one of many schools across the province supporting the ‘Stand Up Against Bullying Day’ initiative -- including a pink peace walk Sept. 11.

The aim of that day, recognized by the provincial government, is to help send a strong message against bullying in Nova Scotia. Two Central Kings Rural High School students who stood up for a new student being bullied for wearing pink first inspired this event.

Three Mile Plains principal David Campbell said the school didn’t push the pink shirts upon the students, but a lot of kids wore pink anyway. “The day made the students more aware of bullying.

“We felt it was be important to stand up for this initiative,” Campbell said. “Our school has been dedicated to having this peace walk… We know to treat everybody equally.”

Classroom teachers are good at teaching students good language practices, which work against bullying at an early age, Campbell added. “Such as: I don’t like this because…”

Grade 6 student Kyle Morris said it’s good to have a pink day to remind everyone not to bully and to stand up for each other. “If I see any bullies I’d tell them to stop,” he said.

Jasmine Trider, also in Grade 6, said she choose to wear pink because she wanted to support the day and the efforts of the two teens in Central Kings. “Bullying is not nice.”

Those bullies in the Valley were really mean and more people should stand up against bullying, she said. “Really, what’s the big deal about wearing pink? Everybody likes it.”