Rep. Andrews Touts Recent Recognition of National Bullying Prevention Awareness

I am proud to announce that the House of Representatives recently passed House Resolution 762, officially recognizing October 21 through October 27 as National Bullying Prevention Awareness Week.

Bullying has been a problem for children and adolescents for years in both educational settings, and extra-curricular activities such as sports and clubs.   A majority of parents, students, and educators report that bullying and harassment are issues of major concern and thus parents and educators should raise awareness for such behavior.

On Monday the House of Representatives officially declared this week in October as National Bullying Prevention Awareness Week which officially:
     (1) Recognizes that bullying of school-aged children is a national concern;
     (2) Recognizes that bullying is unhealthy for our families and communities;
     (3) Commends the efforts of national and community organizations,    schools, parents, recreation programs, and religious institutions for their efforts to promote greater public awareness about bullying and prevention activities; and
     (4) Supports the goals of National Bullying Prevention Awareness Week.

Research has show that school-aged children who are bullied are more likely than other children to be depressed, lonely, or anxious; have low self-esteem; be absent from school; have more physical complaints, such as headaches and stomach aches; and think about suicide.

Additionally, school-aged children who frequently bully their peers are more likely than their peers to get into frequent fights, be injured in a fight, vandalize or steal property, drink alcohol, smoke, be truant from school, drop out of school, or carry a weapon.  In fact, harassment and bullying have been linked to 75 percent of school shooting incidents, including the fatal shootings at Columbine High School in Colorado, Santana High School in California, and the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), and thus it is important that parents and teachers across America address these issues and raise awareness.

The good news is that research has also indicated that bullying at school can be significantly reduced through comprehensive, school-wide programs designed to change norms for behavior. I am confident that such national recognition has been drawn to this issue.  I am proud that that this week will be forever  recognized as National Bullying Prevention Awareness Week.  

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