Senate Resolution No. 2965

BY: Senator COMRIE

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
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.