Laurier expert alert: Pink Shirt Day

Feb. 18, 2021
For Immediate Release

Waterloo – Pink Shirt Day, also known as Anti-Bullying Day, is Wednesday, Feb. 24 this year. Wilfrid Laurier University has several experts available to speak about bullying, cyberbullying and their impacts.

Mark Eys, professor in Laurier’s Kinesiology and Physical Education and Psychology departments and Canada Research Chair in Group Dynamics and Physical Activity, is an expert on what makes groups, especially sports teams, function successfully and how individuals’ roles maintain (or not) that group cohesion. He can speak about the use of initiation rites and hazing in groups. Contact: meys@wlu.ca

Carolyn FitzGerald, assistant professor in Laurier’s Faculty of Education, is an expert on mental health in education. FitzGerald’s research focuses on the mental health of pre-service teachers, teachers and school administrators, as well as ways in which educators can offer effective programs to respond to the mental health needs of Ontario’s children and youth. She is the coordinator of Laurier’s Mental Health Issues in the Classroom certificate and is offering training on how to support the mental health of students and faculty in remote learning environments. She is also available to speak about how the COVID-19 outbreak may impact the mental well-being of children and youth and what parents can do to help their children during these uncertain times. Read more about her work. Contact: cafitzgerald@wlu.ca

Danielle Law, associate professor in Laurier’s Youth and Children’s Studies and Psychology programs, is an expert on cyberbullying, associated mental health concerns and responsible internet use. Law’s research examines how children and adolescents develop cognitively and socio-emotionally as they interact and socialize using technologies. Read more about her research. Contact: dlaw@wlu.ca

Michael Woodford, professor in Laurier’s Faculty of Social Work, is an expert on the mental health and well-being of LGBTQ2S+ youth. Woodford’s research explores how bullying and other forms of discrimination can increase LGBTQ2S+ youth's risk for poor mental health and other negative outcomes, as well as the factors that can foster resilience. Woodford is leading the Thriving on Campus Study, a province-wide survey exploring the experiences, mental health and academic success of LGBTQ2S+ university students in Ontario. Read more about his work. Contact: mwoodford@wlu.ca