Last Updated on December 4, 2014.
Are your kids dealing with bullying this school year?
Now that kids are half way through another school year, are yours dealing with bullying? Is the school “handling” the situation properly? It is the law in New Jersey that every school offers some type of anti-bully program. This is a great concept on paper but it really depends on what is being taught. Honestly the only way for bullying to be “handled” is for the victim to stand up for them self. Period.
Most schools say there is no bullying or have embraced a zero tolerance policy when it comes to bullying. What exactly does that mean? Not only does it mean that bullying will not be tolerated, it also means defending yourself against bullying will not be tolerated. The kids are taught that they should ignore the bully or try to befriend them or make them laugh and that they should tell the teacher. We were all in school once and experienced or saw bullying first hand and we know these tactics don’t work. Bullies pick on kids they deem weak and trying to stop bullying using the above methods will only make the victim seem weaker.
What the schools don’t realize and what must be taught is an equal and assertive response to whatever level of aggression the bully is displaying. There are 3 levels of bullying and the appropriate response to each must be learned and followed through on. We must teach our children to stand up for themselves the way we would stand up as adults. This is the only effective way to handle bullying.
This sounds easier than it is. It takes confidence to stand up to a bully. One of the main building blocks of confidence is the security that comes with knowing how to defend yourself. Why would someone choose to back down to a bully? Simply because they are afraid that they will get hurt. When you learn to defend yourself you lose that fear and build the confidence to stop anyone from taking advantage of you. This is not only true of kids in school but adults as well. Statistical studies have shown that people who know self defense carry themselves more confidently and are less likely to be harassed or intimidated in the first place.
It all boils down to the fact that the anti-bullying programs in schools are unrealistic and ineffective. The only true way to handle bullies is to stand up for yourself. As a parent ask yourself this question. If a bully just punched your child in the face what would you want them to do? Tiger Schulmann’s students have more confidence than the average kid so they usually don’t get picked on but they have the skills to defend themselves if the need arises.
If you want your child to be safe and have a successful school year
Call Tiger Schulmann’s Mixed Martial Arts of Wayne NJ at (973)694-3495
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