SJR57 TR

Sponsored by:

Senator BRITNEE N. TIMBERLAKE

District 34 (Essex)

Senator ANGELA V. MCKNIGHT

District 31 (Hudson)

Co-Sponsored by:

Senators Corrado and Diegnan

SYNOPSIS

Designates October of each year as "Bullying Prevention Month."

CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT

As reported by the Senate Education Committee with technical review.

A Joint Resolution designating the month of October of each year as “Bullying Prevention Month” in New Jersey.

Whereas, Bullying is a type of aggressive conduct in which a person intentionally causes someone else discomfort or harm, and can be carried out in verbal and physical forms or through more indirect means such as social media; and

Whereas, More than one out of every five American students report that they have been bullied, with approximately five to 15 percent of students chronic victims of bullies and seven to 12 percent of students the chronic bullies; and

Whereas, Students who are bullied are at a greater risk of sleeping difficulties, anxiety, depression, strained relationships with friends and family, and, in some cases, suicidal thoughts; and

Whereas, A bully tends to be easily angered, act aggressively towards adults, show minimal empathy towards students who they or others victimize, and needs to dominate other individuals; and

Whereas, Children need to understand certain actions and behaviors are hurtful and be reminded that there may be legal consequences as a result of bullying another person; and

Whereas, Parents and school staff are encouraged to intervene if they see bullying occur, including telling students who are bullying to stop, documenting the type of behavior they witnessed, and providing a support network for bullying victims; and

Whereas, The “Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act” reminds schools that they are obligated to provide a safe space for students to learn and to ensure students understand bullying is not permitted in a school; and

Whereas, Incidents of cyberbullying has almost doubled between 2007 and 2016, and parental limitations or monitoring of the use of technology by children can help combat cyberbullying; and

Whereas, Younger children tend to report when they have been victims of cyberbullying and when there are issues with socialization or victimization, but are also at a higher risk of cyberbullying peers themselves; and

Whereas, The United States has recognized a “National Bullying Prevention Month” since 2010 to highlight different kinds of bullying behaviors, the impact bullying has on victims, and ways to stop or prevent bullying; now, therefore,

Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

1. The month of October of each year is designated as “Bullying Prevention Month” in the State of New Jersey to nurture an awareness and understanding of bullying, including what constitutes bullying, the various ways in which bullying can impact people of all ages in different environments, and the actions that can be taken to stop or prevent bullying behavior.

2. The Governor is respectfully requested to annually issue a proclamation calling upon public officials and citizens of this State to observe “Bullying Prevention Month” with appropriate activities and programs.

3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.