Declare Stop Bullying Day

October 11, 2017, as Stop Bullying Day in the State of New York WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize official days 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 memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim October 11, 2017, as Stop Bullying Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National Stop Bullying Day; and WHEREAS, The mission of Stop Bullying Day is to raise awareness 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 adolescence 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, 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 11, 2017, as Stop Bullying Day in the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York.