Declaration

Declaration

Whereas, we have a responsibility to safeguard our children and to strengthen our
communities by drawing attention to the serious issues confronting children every day; and

Whereas, bullying is an increasingly significant problem for our children, taking many
forms, including physical violence, verbal abuse, and online attacks; and

Whereas, up to 50% of children experience bullying during their school years and at least
10% suffer from bullying on a regular basis; and

Whereas, bullying interferes with childrent's social and emotional development; and

Whereas, bullying can cause children to fear school, resulting in increased absenteeism,
lower academic achievement, and the loss of self-esteem; and

Whereas, victims of continued bullying are at a greater risk to commit suicide; and

Whereas, bullies and those bullied are at a greater risk for substance abuse; and

Whereas, bullying is a preventable phenomenon that can be combated through increased
awareness in our schools and communities; and

Whereas, it is imperative that we take action to keep our children physically and
emotionally safe by Standing Up Against Bullying;

Now, therefore, I, Gary R. Herbert, Governor of the State of Utah, do hereby declare, November
14 as:

Stand Up Against Bullying Day