Recognizing October 2018 as National Bullying Prevention Month and acknowledging the need for effective bullying intervention.

WHEREAS, Every day thousands of young people experience bullying from their peers while at school, after school in their neighborhoods, and even when they are at home, through social media and texts. There are many ways to support bullying prevention as an individual or with friends and family, and within your school or community; and

WHEREAS, National Bullying Prevention Month is a campaign founded in 2006 by PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center. The campaign is held during the month of October and unites communities nationwide to educate and raise awareness on bullying prevention. Initially held the first week in October, the event was expanded in 2010 to the entire month; and

WHEREAS, Over the last year, schools throughout the US have experienced a frightening increase in bullying and acts of hate. Each year, schools across the US participate in bullying prevention activities during the month of October; and

WHEREAS, Bullying directly affects a student’s ability to learn. Students who are bullied often do not want to go to school. They often find it difficult to concentrate, show a decline in grades, and lose self-esteem, self-confidence, and self-worth; and

WHEREAS, Students can be especially effective in bullying intervention. More than 55 percent of bullying situations will stop when a peer intervenes. Student education of how to address bullying for peers is critical, as is the support of adults; and

WHEREAS, According to the PACER Center, more than 160,000 U.S. students stay home from school each day from fear of being bullied; and

WHEREAS, According to DoSomething.org, the most common reason cited for being harassed is a student’s appearance or body size. two out of five teens feel that they are bullied because of the way that they look; and

WHEREAS, Bullying is a community wide issue that must no longer be ignored or thought of as a rite of passage. Students, parents, and educators all have a role in addressing bullying situations and changing school culture; and

WHEREAS, There are several organizations in Philadelphia that work to prevent bullying and raise awareness on the significant impact bullying has on people. Organizations providing such important resources include: The Attic Youth Center, The Mazzoni Center, Playworks CAP4Kids, Women Organized Against Rape, among many others; and

WHEREAS, Supporting and empowering Philadelphia’s youth to stop bullying is crucial to the success and future of our City and its budding young leaders; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby recognizes October, 2018 as National Bullying Prevention Month and acknowledges the need for effective bullying intervention.

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