WHEREAS, bullying is physical, verbal, sexual, or emotional harm or intimidation intentionally directed at a person or group of people; and

WHEREAS, bullying occurs in neighborhoods, playgrounds, schools, and through technology, such as the Internet and cell phones; and

WHEREAS, various researchers have concluded that bullying is the most common form of violence, affecting millions of American children and adolescents annually; and

WHEREAS, thousands of Oregon children and adolescents are affected by bullying annually; and

WHEREAS, 21% of 6th graders, 23% of 8th graders and 15% of 11th graders in District 17C schools do not feel safe at school,* and

WHEREAS, 12% of 6th graders, 10% of 8th graders and 7% of 11th graders in District 17C schools did not go to school for at least one day in the last 30 days because they felt unsafe at school or on their way to or from school,* and

WHEREAS, targets of bullying are more likely to acquire physical, emotional, and learning problems and students who are repeatedly bullied often fear such activities as riding the bus, going to school, and attending community activities; and

WHEREAS, children who bully are at greater risk of engaging in more serious violent behaviors; and

WHEREAS, children who witness bullying often feel less secure, more fearful, and intimated.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Ron Hedenskog, Mayor of the City of Brookings, hereby declare October, 2012, as

Bullying Prevention Month, and

October 10, 2012 as Unity Day

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Brookings schools, students, parents, recreation programs, religious institutions, and community organizations be encouraged to engage in a variety of awareness and prevention activities designed to make our communities safer for all children and adolescents, and encourage all of our citizens to wear something Orange on October 10 to send the message of support to students who have experienced bullying.

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Sources

* 2010 Oregon Healthy Teen

http://www.pacer.org/bullying/nbpm/spreadtheword/governors-proclamation.asp

Submitted by Gordon Clay, TheCitizensWhoCare.org, Brookings, OR, 541-469-5124