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International Stand Up to Bullying Day rallies support against harassment every third Friday of November and last Friday of February. This global observance urges individuals, schools, and workplaces to actively intervene, report, and educate to create safer environments. Speak up, offer support, and advocate for a culture of respect.
Want to sponsor International Stand Up to Bullying Day? Learn how
Expected International Stand Up to Bullying Day Deals
International Stand Up to Bullying Day is a cause-driven observance, focusing on awareness and fundraising rather than commercial deals. Organizations like PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center and STOMP Out Bullying often launch campaigns encouraging donations and participation in educational programs. Corporate partners such as Target and Cartoon Network may offer limited-edition merchandise or donate a portion of sales to anti-bullying initiatives. Schools and community centers host workshops and pledge drives. We will update this page with confirmed live campaigns and events as November 20 approaches.
Platform Guide for International Stand Up to Bullying Day
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #StandUpToBullying. Share stories of resilience or graphics with anti-bullying messages.
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Mention @NatlToday and use #StandUpToBullying. Post statistics, resources, or calls to action for a safer online community.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #StandUpToBullying. Create an event for a local awareness walk or share educational videos.
International Stand Up to Bullying Day Hero
Dan Olweus
History of International Stand Up to Bullying Day
International Stand Up to Bullying Day emerged from the acts of two Nova Scotian 12 graders. Travis Price and David Shepherd stood up and protested when a fellow student was picked on for wearing a pink shirt. They bought 50 pink shirts at a discount store and emailed their classmates asking them to wear the pink shirts that they had bought the following day, to create a “sea of pink” to support the bullied student. Many students wore the shirts while the rest came to school in their own pink clothes. Their act of creativity and kindness gained notice around Canada, the United States of America, and other countries. By the following year, International Stand Up to Bullying Day had gone viral in many countries across the world.
International Stand Up to Bullying Day is a semi-annual event that takes place in both February and November. The November event coincides with Anti-Bullying Week. Those participating in the day sign and wear pink “pledge shirts” to take a public stand against bullying. The shirts convey displeasure for bullying and extend support to the victims. It is a non-confrontational way to stand up against bullies. It first took place in February 2008, when 236 schools, workplaces, and organizations participated by wearing pink pledge shirts. Each participating school, workplace, or organization hosts its stand with aid provided by event coordinators. Organizations such as Bully Help Initiatives are committed to developing effective support structures for victims.
International Stand Up to Bullying Day timeline
Georgia passes the first anti-bullying law.
The California State Legislature passes a law directly related to cyberbullying.
Canada passes an anti-bullying law.
Montana is the last state to adopt the law.
How Businesses Can Celebrate International Stand Up to Bullying Day
Local businesses can demonstrate their commitment to a safe and inclusive community by observing International Stand Up to Bullying Day. Retailers might host a ‘Kindness Campaign’ where customers can write positive messages, or donate a percentage of sales to a local anti-bullying charity. Restaurants could offer a special ‘Stand Up’ menu item, with proceeds benefiting youth support programs. Service providers can host free workshops on conflict resolution or digital citizenship for families, fostering a supportive environment for all.
International Stand Up to Bullying Day FAQs
When is International Stand Up to Bullying Day?
For 2027, the day is first observed on Friday, February 26, marking the last Friday of February. The second observance will take place later in the year, continuing its dual-date tradition.
How many people are affected by bullying?
Beyond the schoolyard, statistics show that a significant percentage of adults also experience bullying in workplaces and online environments, underscoring its pervasive nature across all age groups.
What is Anti-Bullying Week?
This week-long campaign provides a focused period for educational institutions and organizations to implement anti-bullying programs, share resources, and promote a culture of kindness and inclusion.
What are the different types of bullying?
Each type can have severe psychological and emotional impacts on victims, emphasizing the need for comprehensive strategies to identify and address all forms of bullying effectively.
How to Observe International Stand Up to Bullying Day
Wear pink
Take a stand against bullying. Extend your support to victims by wearing a pink shirt on International Stand Up to Bullying Day.
Raise awareness
Post about the day to your social media accounts and tell people about the importance of the day. You can also post helpline numbers and the legal steps that a victim can take against bullies.
Organize an event at your workplace
If your workplace doesn’t observe the day, let HR know that you would like to encourage your coworkers to join you in the observation. It’s valuable in the workplace as well.
5 Facts About Bullying That You Should Know
Bullying is a serious issue in America
One in five students aged 12 to 18 has been bullied during the school year.
Bullying makes students skip school
About 160,000 teens have ditched school because of bullying.
The major reported form of bullying
Verbal harassment is most common at 79%, followed by social harassment at 50%, physical bullying (29%), and cyberbullying (25%).
Bullying can lead to poor scores
Bullied students ranked lower in reading, mathematics, and science than their peers.
Older students report bullying less
Only 39% of high schoolers notify an adult of bullying.
Why International Stand Up to Bullying Day is Important
A day to take a stand
International Stand Up to Bullying Day is the best way to take a stand against bullying and harassment at your school, workplace, or organization. Take a stand today.
It makes spaces inclusive
International Stand Up to Bullying Day hopes to create spaces that are inclusive for everyone. No one feels left out or uncomfortable.
Hopes for a better future
International Stand Up to Bullying Day imagines a future where no one is bullied and everyone gets along. It envisions a better future for all.
International Stand Up to Bullying Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | February 27 | Friday |
| 2026 | November 20 | Friday |
| 2027 | February 26 | Friday |
| 2027 | November 19 | Friday |
| 2028 | February 25 | Friday |
| 2028 | November 17 | Friday |
| 2029 | February 23 | Friday |
| 2029 | November 16 | Friday |
| 2030 | February 22 | Friday |
| 2030 | November 15 | Friday |
Social Media Tips for International Stand Up to Bullying Day
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