Bullying has become an epidemic in recent years. Yes, there have always been bullies, and yes, those bullies have always caused serious and lasting damage to their victims; however, bullying in the 21st century has changed. Research from Pacer’s National Bullying Prevention Center indicates that 25% of students have reported being bullied during the school year, while 14.8% of high school students have reported bullying online.
The consequences of bullying can be devastating. Victims are more likely to experience a decrease in their academic performance, anxiety, depression, and behavioral problems.
Being that bullying is such a problem in the United States, children need methods that will teach them how to combat being the victim of the name calling, teasing, and harassment
that are associated with bullying behavior.
How can kids avoid becoming the victim of a bully? Here are some tips that can be highly effective.
Be Confident
Typically, bullies prey on those who lack confidence and are unsure of themselves. When an individual lacks confidence, bullies tend to target and harass them. Being confident is one of the most effective ways to avoid bullying. Kids need to have inner confidence, and they need to be able to project that confidence outward. Parents can help build their children’s confidence by building them up and supporting them. When children
know that they are valued, they automatically have confidence. Kids can exude their inner confidence by standing tall, making eye contact, being friendly, and taking pride in their appearance.
Gain the Support of Friends
One or two great friends are worth more than 100 fair-weather friends. Kids should pick their friends wisely and should gather their support. Remaining in contact with those friends – walking down the school halls together, sitting on the bus together, or eating with them in the
cafeteria – will prevent a bully from targeting a child. Typically, bullies tend to aim at children who are loners. Support from friends is a powerful force against bullies.
Stand Up for Yourself
If a bully does start to attack, a child should not only know that it is OK to stand up for him- or herself, but that standing up must be done. If a child encounters someone saying or doing hurtful things, they should exert their inner confidence, stand tall, look the bully in the eye, and tell them to stop it. Once the child tells the bully to stop, they should walk away and move on. Letting the bully see that they have impacted the victim will only make the bully feel
successful, making them want to try again. If the bully continues to harass even after being asked to stop, seeking assistance from a trusted adult or teacher is recommended. If the bully persists and resorts to physical violence, it may be necessary to use martial arts skills to defend yourself and control the situation.
Kids have the power to stop bullies, and martial arts help them find that power. By following these tips, children can avoid being the victim of such cruel behavior and avoid the lasting consequences of bullying.
Enrolling your child in jiu-jitsu classes at Pendergrass Academy is an investment in their safety. Through enhanced awareness, techniques, confidence-building, decision-making skills, and an emphasis on self-control, jiu-jitsu equips children with the tools they need to protect themselves. Visit our website to learn more about our programs, https://bjjnc.com/program/kids-martial-arts/