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 many places such as neighborhoods, playgrounds, schools, and through technology, such as online or through cell phones; and

WHEREAS, bullying is a common form of violence, affecting millions of children annually across the United States; and

WHEREAS, according to the National Center for Education Statistics and Bureau of Justice, approximately 20 percent of students ages 12-18 experience bullying, while 70 percent of young people say they have seen bullying in their schools; and

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

WHEREAS, children who bully are at greater risk of engaging in more serious violent behaviors, and children who witness bullying often feel less secure, more fearful, and intimidated; and

WHEREAS, Bullying Prevention Month allows for schools, students, parents, recreation programs, religious institutions, and community organizations to come together and raise public awareness about bullying and promote prevention activities designed to make our communities safer for all children;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, STEVE SISOLAK, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NEVADA, do hereby proclaim October 2019 as

BULLYING PREVENTION MONTH IN NEVADA