On February 25, 2026, students and staff in Barrie, Ontario, participated in Pink Shirt Day to promote kindness and stand against bullying in local schools. The Simcoe County District School Board organized the event across the region to encourage inclusive environments for all students.
This year’s theme was Sprinkle Kindness, which focused on the idea that small acts of care can grow when they are shared. Schools such as Eastview Secondary School, Barrie North Collegiate, and Bear Creek Secondary School took part by having students wear pink clothing to show their support.
Beyond wearing pink, students participated in classroom lessons about empathy and the impact of cyberbullying. These activities were designed to help children understand how to treat others with respect and what to do if they see someone being treated poorly.
The school board also reminded students about its Safe Schools Reporting Tool, which allows them to report bullying incidents privately online. This tool is part of a year-round effort to keep schools safe and ensure students have a way to seek help when they need it.
Pink Shirt Day originally started in 2007 after a student in Nova Scotia was bullied for wearing a pink shirt. Today, the event is observed in schools throughout the country to remind everyone of the importance of belonging and mutual respect.
