October 12, 2022: Bullying Prevention Day

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 neighborhoods, playgrounds, schools, and online; 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, in Michigan, almost one of every five high school students reported being bullied at school, and in 2019 cyberbullying rose to 18.1%, making the State of Michigan the fifth-highest rate in the country, according to a confidential 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System Survey, and,  

WHEREAS, over the years, the State of Michigan has made numerous efforts to enact anti-bullying laws that protect our students, such as making cyberbullying a crime if the victim of the bullying was harmed as a result of posts made online and the Matt Epling Safe School Law, which requires school districts to implement anti-bullying policies that include a process to investigate reported incidents and inform school boards of the scope of these incidents every year; and,

WHEREAS, Michigan still ranks top among the states with the biggest bullying problems in the nation. With the implementation of bullying prevention education day in Michigan schools bullying behavior can decrease by up to 25%, along with a 41% Reduction in bullying behaviors, 75% Reduction in violent behaviors, and 29% Reduction in fights; this shows we must work together by enforcing bullying prevention education to ensure supportive environments for our children to learn and prosper; and,

WHEREAS, during this month, we must reassure and encourage the discussion of bullying prevention education as a school community and work to help students of all ages identify, develop, and promote solutions to this critical issue that affects the victims' health, safety, and education; and,

WHEREAS, encouraging Michigan educators to promote bullying prevention education on October 12^th, Bullying Prevention Education Day, to students in grades K-12 is one way we can come together to inspire change and provide support for those who have experienced or are experiencing bullying, and show our state's belief that no child should ever experience bullying;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim October 12, 2022, as Bullying Prevention Day in Michigan and urge schools, students, parents, and community organizations to unite toward kindness, acceptance, and inclusion in our schools.