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 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 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 greater risk of engaging in more serious violent behaviors; and

WHEREAS children who witness bullying often feel less secure, more fearful, and intimidated.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Mike Seminary, Mayor of the City of Bismarck and this Board of City Commissioners, do hereby proclaim October 2015 as Bullying Prevention Month in Bismarck.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that City of Bismarck schools, students, parents, recreation programs, religious institutions, 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.