J 1087: Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim October 2025, as Bullying Prevention Month in the State of New York

 Senate Resolution No. 1087 BY: Senator TEDISCO MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim October 2025, 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 memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim October 2025, as Bullying Prevention Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National Bullying Prevention Month; and WHEREAS, Bullying is comprised of direct behaviors such as teasing, taunting, threatening, hitting, and stealing that are initiated by one or more students against a target, as well as indirect behaviors such as spreading rumors and acting in other ways to cause another person to be socially isolated through intentional exclusion, with all such behaviors, direct or indirect, amounting to physical or psychological intimidation occurring repeatedly over time to create an ongoing pattern of harassment and abuse; and WHEREAS, Race, age, religion, physical disability, physical appearance, socioeconomic status and various other factors can be the basis of bullying, and anyone can be a target; and WHEREAS, People who bully others are at increased risk for substance abuse, academic problems, and violence later in adolescence and adulthood; and WHEREAS, Those individuals who stand by passively watching or actively encouraging bullying are also affected by these hostile acts; they encourage bullying by creating an audience, may become desensitized to cruelty, may learn to imitate bullying behavior, and may become bullies themselves, and may be fearful for their own safety, adding to their own insecurity; 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, Throughout the past year, approximately 20% of high school students in the United States reported being bullied at their school, and 15% claimed they were bullied online; and WHEREAS, Individuals who choose to practice unselfish generosity and who lead by example tend to leave a trail of positive feelings in their wake; and WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be continued public awareness of this serious issue, and to encourage all New Yorkers to practice kindness toward all people; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim October 2025, as Bullying Prevention Month in the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York.