World Day of Bullying Prevention (Blue Shirt Day) Date in the current year: October 7, 2024

Bullying involves using hurtful teasing, coercion, threats, or force to aggressively dominate, intimidate, or abuse someone. A key aspect of bullying is the perceived imbalance of power—whether physical or social—which sets it apart from ordinary conflict. This type of aggressive behavior is defined by its hostile intent, uneven power dynamics, and ongoing repetition over time.

Bullying can occur in any setting where people interact with one another, but children and teens are the most vulnerable to bullying. Those who face a higher risk of being bullied include children from marginalized communities, children from poor families, children with learning differences, children who identify as LGBTQ+, ethic and racial minorities, etc.

Bullying can occur both in person and online (cyberbullying). Cyberbullying typically happens through social media, text messages, instant messaging, email, or any other online platform where children engage. Since parents may not always monitor their child’s activity on these platforms, it can be challenging to recognize when they are being targeted.

Bullying can have serious and lasting effects on children. Beyond physical harm, it can lead to emotional and mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, which may result in poor academic performance, substance abuse, and even suicide attempts. To help parents and teachers keep children safe from bullying, many bullying awareness organizations have been created.

One of such organizations is STOMP Out Bullying. It is a US-based nonprofit organization that works to change the culture for all students in order to reduce and prevent bullying and cyberbullying. It educates against hatred, racism, and LGBTQ+ discrimination, promotes diversity, civility, equity, equality, and inclusion, deters violence in schools, communities, and online, and teaches solutions on how to respond for bullying.

In 2006, PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center designated October as National Bullying Prevention Month. Sometime later, STOMP Out Bullying declared the first Monday of October as World Day of Bullying Prevention. On this day (and on any other day during the month) people are encouraged to wear blue shirts to take a stand against bullying and raise awareness. The color blue was chosen to represent bullying awareness because it is associated with peace in many cultures around the globe.

Every year, dozens of schools (primarily from North America), community groups, and businesses register as World Day of Bullying Prevention participants. However, you don’t necessarily have to register in order to participate in the campaign. You can make your contribution by wearing blue to show your support and start conversations about bullying awareness, organizing an event at your local school or community, donating to an organization that fights against bullying, and spreading the word on social media with the hashtags #BlueShirtDay, #BeKind and #BlueUp.