Earlier this week, a school reminded its students that bullying is never acceptable and how it impacts people's lives.

Church College of Pesega recently held its first-ever Bullying Awareness Day, an event designed to help students understand what bullying is, the different forms it can take, and how to respond in a kind and Christ-like way.

With the theme “Be Kind. Be Brave. Be Christlike,” the event encouraged students to stand up against bullying by choosing kindness, having the courage to speak out, and following the example of Jesus Christ in how we treat others.

The day began with a school assembly where students watched a short video called “Bullying – Stop It!” narrated by Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf.

As they watched, students wrote down what they learned in their books.

Following the video, Principal Brother Taleni gave a talk about making good choices. He included the hymn “Dare to Do Right, Dare to Be True” in his message, inspiring students to be strong in doing what is right.

After the assembly, students were divided into two groups, boys with male teachers and girls with female teachers, to discuss real-life bullying scenarios.

Special attention was given to cyberbullying, a topic the school hopes to address further on a different day.

Many students and teachers found the event eye-opening and meaningful.

While some students weren’t sure what to expect at first, they quickly got involved and shared their thoughts during the group discussions.

Everyone also received small, laminated badges with the day’s theme, and students showed support by wearing a pink accessory with their uniform.

The main message was simple but strong. 

“Be kind means using our words to lift others, not tear them down. Be brave means standing up when someone is being mistreated. Be Christlike means seeing others the way the Saviour does, with compassion, mercy, and love,” said Sister Laban.

She reminded students that they each have a role in creating a school where everyone feels safe, valued, and loved. Students were encouraged to wear pink accessories because the colour pink has become a global symbol of anti-bullying. 

This tradition started in 2007 when two high school students organised a campaign to wear pink shirts after a fellow student was bullied for wearing one. Since then, pink has stood for kindness, love, and standing up for one another.

Sister Laban believes events like this do make a difference. 

“While change takes time, awareness days like this help students see what bullying looks like, how to stop it, and where to go for help,” she said.

“Most of all, they remind us to be kind, be brave, and be Christlike.”

Church College of Pesega’s Bullying Awareness Day was a small step with a big message, one that encourages students not just for a day, but for life.