SJR136

A Joint Resolution designating May 16 of each year as “Day of the Boy” in New Jersey.

Whereas, Studies have shown that boys experience unique challenges relative to education, developmental disabilities and violent crime; and

Whereas, According to a national 2016 parent survey, the estimated number of children that have ever been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (“ADHD”) is 6.1 million and boys are more than twice as likely than girls to be diagnosed with ADHD; and

Whereas, According to a 1999 to 2000 study, boys: drop out of school, are diagnosed as emotionally disturbed, and commit suicide four times more often than girls do; get into fights twice as often as girls do; commit murder 10 times more often than girls do; are generally 15 times more likely to be the victims of a violent crime than girls are; and are six times more likely to be diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder than girls are; and

Whereas, A 2018 report of New Jersey’s incarceration trends reflects that, even though New Jersey men’s jail admissions had declined since 2008 while New Jersey women’s jail admissions had grown substantially, there were still more men than women incarcerated in New Jersey jails; and

Whereas, A 1997 to 2008 pediatric study published by researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in collaboration with researchers from the Health Resources and Services Administration, reflects that males had twice the prevalence of any developmental disability than females and specifically had higher prevalence of ADHD, autism, learning disabilities, and stuttering / stammering; and

Whereas, A 2007 article notes that boys are two and a half times more likely than girls to be suspended from school and three point four times more likely than girls to be expelled; and

Whereas, Founded by Dr. Jerome Teelucksingh, the first “International Day of the Boy Child”, also known as “International Boy’s Day”, was observed on May 16, 2018; and

Whereas, The goal of “International Boys’ Day” is that every boy grow up to become a man of honor and integrity and contribute in a vital way to his family, his community, and his nation in order to make the world a better place for boys and girls everywhere; and

Whereas, Further, in the United States, “National Son’s Day” has historically been celebrated on September 28, and since 2018, has also been celebrated by many on March 4; and

Whereas, “National Son’s Day” is intended to ensure that boys across the United States are getting the foundations, education, and the support they need to have the best possible life as they grow up, to show appreciation for the boys in our lives, and for parents of boys, to reflect on the way they are raising their sons; and

Whereas, It is consistent with these stated goals and the public policy of this State that New Jersey also recognize a Day of the Boy; now, therefore,

Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

1. May 16 of each year is designated as “Day of the Boy” in New Jersey.

2. The Governor is respectfully requested to annually issue a proclamation and call upon public officials, private organizations, and all citizens of this State to observe “Day of the Boy” with appropriate awareness activities and programs.

3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.

STATEMENT

This resolution establishes May 16 of each year as “Day of the Boy” in New Jersey.

The State of New Jersey supports providing boys with the foundations, education, and resources they need to have the best possible lives and to become contributing members of their families, communities and the world. Boys face unique challenges relative to education, developmental disabilities and violent crime. For instance, studies have shown that boys are more likely than girls to be diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Attention Deficit Disorder, autism, learning disabilities, stammering/stuttering, and developmental disabilities. Studies have also shown that boys are more likely than girls to drop out of school, be suspended and expelled, commit suicide, commit murder, and be the victims of a violent crime. And there are still more men than women incarcerated in New Jersey jails. Countries across the world celebrate “International Boys’ Day” and the United States recognizes “National Sons’ Day” to support boys. The State of New Jersey can raise awareness within the public, as well as within the educational, medical and justice systems within this State, in order to support boys and their families.