LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim October 2016, as Bullying Prevention Month in the State of New
York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize official
months that are set aside to increase awareness of serious issues that
affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, it is the sense of this Legislative Body to memori-
alize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim October 2016, as Bullying
Prevention Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with the
observance of National Bullying Prevention Month; and
WHEREAS, The mission of Bullying Prevention Month is to raise aware-
ness of the dangers and consequences of bullying through activities and
education; historically, bullying has been viewed as a childhood rite of
passage; in reality, bullying causes devastating effects such as school
avoidance, loss of self-esteem, increased anxiety, and depression; and
WHEREAS, In addition, students who bully others are at increased risk
for substance abuse, academic problems, and violence later in adoles-
cence and adulthood; and
WHEREAS, Today, nearly 30% of all students are either bullies or
victims of bullying, and 160,000 young people stay home from school
every day because of their fear of bullying; and
WHEREAS, According to the United States Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention, suicide is the third leading cause of death among young
people, resulting in about 4,400 deaths per year; there is a strong
association between bullying and suicide-related behaviors; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the past year, 19.6% of high school students in
the United States reported being bullied at their school, as well as
14.8% who claimed they were bullied online; and
WHEREAS, Approximately 42% of children have been bullied while online,
with 25% being verbally attacked more than once; almost 35% of children
have been threatened online, and about 58% of children and teenagers
have reported that something mean has been said about them or to them
online; and
WHEREAS, Unfortunately children do not believe there is a system in
place to protect them as they get older; statistics actually show that
school-based bullying prevention programs have decreased bullying by
approximately 25%; and
WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater public awareness of
this serious issue, and more must be done to increase knowledge and
attentiveness at both the state and local levels to support and protect
our youth, our most precious resource; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim October 2016, as Bully-
ing Prevention Month in the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York.