ATHENS-Athens Elementary third grader Christopher Hogan from Athens scheduled an appointment for this week with Mayor Ronnie Marks and asked him to support Bullying Prevention Month in October. Christopher feels so strongly about this subject that he signed his name on the proclamation along with Mayor.
BULLYING PREVENTION MONTH
WHEREAS, bullying is physical, verbal 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 children and adolescents are affected by bullying annually; and
WHEREAS, targets of bullying are more likely to acquire physical, emotional, and learning problems and 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 a 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 BE IT RESOLVED, that Mayor William R. Marks proclaims October as National Bullying Prevention Month; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that City of Athens schools, students, parents, recreation programs, religious institution, and community organizations be encouraged to engage in a variety of awareness and prevention activities designed to make our communities safer for all children and adolescents.
