The boys in pink: Police reading out tweets for NZ Anti Bullying awareness campaign

The men in blue have turned pink in an attempt to raise awareness for New Zealand Anti Bullying week.

The Waikato District Police will don pink hi-vis vests while on duty beween today and Friday, May 26.

Designed by one of the women in the force, the campaign is a way to make a stand against bullying and cyber bullying which is the highest rated social issue among New Zealand youth.

Police took to Facebok to show off their fresh new look and educate the country on the growing social issue of bullying.

"In a survey funded by Ministry of Social Development... Devastatingly 91 per cent of students say there's bullying occurring at their school," Police said in their post.

"Ninty-three per cent said they were concerned about bullying and 97 per cent agreed that is it the responsibility of all people to help stop bullying.

"Bullying leads to depression, anxiety, social withdrawal, violence and in severe cases; suicide."

We've just tried out our bright pink hi-vis vests that one of our amazing ladies in the office specially made for the NZ...

Posted by Waikato Police on Saturday, 20 May 2017

New Zealanders will be celebrating Pink Shirt Day on May 26 to stand together in the fight against bullying.

Police urged schools and workplaces to wear pink to raise awareness.

Pink Shirt Day began in Canada in 2007 when two students took a stand against homophobic bullying, mobilising their whole school, after a peer was bullied for wearing a pink shirt.

HELPLINE

Where to get help:

• Lifeline: 0800 543 354 (available 24/7)
• Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)
• Youthline: 0800 376 633
• Kidsline: 0800 543 754 (available 24/7)
• Whatsup: 0800 942 8787 (1pm to 11pm)
• Depression helpline: 0800 111 757 (available 24/7)
• Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155
• Samaritans 0800 726 666
• If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.