It is true that Bullying has been around since the beginning of time, the can cause serious and lasting damage to others not just physically but mentally and emotionally. However, the intensity and nature of bullying has changed in recent times- and not for the better.
- EVERY 7 MINUTES A CHILD IS BULLIED
- 85% OF THE TIME, THERE IS NO INTERVENTION
- EACH DAY, 160,000 STUDENTS MISS SCHOOL DUE TO BULLYING
- BULLYING IS THE LEADING FACTOR IN SUICIDE AMONG KIDS 11-16 YEARS OLD
- BY AGE 24, 60% OF BULLIES HAVE BEEN CHARGED WITH A CRIME
- 34% (1 OUT OF 3) OF ALL CHILDREN REPORT BEING BULLIED REGULARLY SEVERAL TIMES A YEAR
- 86% OF CHILDREN AGED 12-15 REPORT BULLYING HAS INTERFERED WITH THEIR STUDIES MODERATELY OR SEVERELY
The consequences of bullying can be devastating. Those who are bullied are more likely to experience a decrease in their academic performance, anxiety, depression, and behavioral problems. Those who bully and are being bullied are experiencing the same as those who are bullied but in addition, they are more likely to get into fights, vandalize property, drop out of school, have higher risk of abusing alcohol and substances, and are more likely to have criminal convictions and traffic citations. By age 24, 60% of bullies have been charged with a crime and 40% of them had 3 or more convictions.
To become BULLY PROOFED- It takes constant training in teaming up with positive peers and building confidence to empower ourselves and others to overcome the struggles of bullying. There’s no better confidence than self-defense confidence where students practice expressing themselves with their mind, body, and hearts in confidence, focus, and discipline both internally and outwardly to the world. The practice of self-defense, timing, agility, and discipline help students learn to overcome obstacles thereby building self esteem and confidence. True confidence is learned through overcoming what was once impossible and training is the path to doing so. Here are some beginning tips to becoming BULLY PROOFED:
Be Confident
Typically, bullies tend to prey on those who appear to lack confidence and who are unsure of themselves. If a bully sees that someone is lacking confidence, he or she is more likely to target that individual and harass that person.
Being confident is one of the most effective ways to avoid being bullied. 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 is worth more than 100 fair-weather friends. This is especially true if someone wants to avoid being bullied. Kids should pick their friends wisely, and should gather their support. Remaining in contact with those friends – walking down the school halls with them, sitting with them on the bus, or eating with them in the cafeteria – will prevent a bully from targeting a child. Typically, bullies tend to take aim at children who are ‘loners.’ Support from friends is a highly 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 who is saying or doing hurtful things, that child should exert his or her inner confidence, stand tall, look the bully in the eye and tell him or her to stop it. Once the child tells the bully to stop, he or she should walk away and move on. Letting the bully see that he or she has impacted the victim will only make him or her feel successful, which will make him or her want to try again.
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.
For martial arts programs specializing in martial arts for children, please visit: https://www.ata-bba.net/program/kids-martial-arts/ OR visit us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/mcdonoughata. For information on our Transported After School Martial Arts Program, please visit: https://www.ata-bba.net/program/transported-after-school/
Visit our website for more information on kids martial arts programs.