National Bullying Prevention Month

Proclamation

By the Governor of Alabama

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 Alabama’s children and adolescents are affected by bullying annually; and

WHEREAS, targets of bullying are more likely to acquire physical, emotional, and learning problems; and

WHEREAS, 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, Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim the month of October 2016, as

National Bullying Prevention Month

in the State of Alabama.  I encourage all of Alabama’s schools, students, parents, recreational programs, religious institutions and community organizations to engage in a variety of awareness and prevention activities designed to make our communities safer for all children and adolescents.

Given Under My Hand and the Great Seal of the Office of the Governor at the State Capitol in the City of Montgomery on the 1st day of October 2016.

Robert Bentley

Governor