This may be the bully’s ultimate endgame, but they can only win if you allow them to do so. Togetherness is the antithesis of isolation and the ultimate kryptonite for perpetrators of bullying. Here are nine strategies kids can use to defend themselves against school bullies. All these strategies can be learned in a self-defense class. Friendship is a protective factor against bullying. Keep Safe. Ignore the bully if you’re able to. Teach your kids to be aware of their surroundings. Kids will not only learn how to defend themselves, but they also will learn confidence and self-control. Many times, bullies are looking for an easy target. You are not responsible for the actions of the bully. Regardless of how a bully chooses to conduct themselves or what they may say to you or others, they alone are responsible for the choices they make. Sherri Gordon is a published author and a bullying prevention expert. Think about things about yourself you want to change. Join the discussion below! When you’re dealing with a bully, it can be very easy to question whether or not something you did prompted the bully to lash out. Your reaction is exactly what they are seeking. Furthermore, someone who feels good about themselves is usually less likely to put up with mistreatment from others. Stress to your kids that they need to leave a situation before it even gets out of hand. Even one close friend can go a long way in preventing bullying. The most important priority in the face of an adult bully is to protect yourself. Contrary to certain beliefs, bullies are not healthy individuals. If your child does not have a group of friends, work with him to develop friends. Is It Time To Redesign Organised Learning? Many times, diffusing bullying situations involves knowing how to respond to a situation in a calm and confident manner before it ever gets to physical bullying. And there are techniques on how they can defend themselves from a group attack. By contrast, if children slouch and keep their eyes averted, this makes them appear weak and easy to target. If bullies were actually like Nelson from the Simpsons, they would be easy to avoid. If your child does find himself in a potential bullying situation, sometimes using a confident voice and being assertive will diffuse the situation. Ways Parents Can Address Bullying in Sports, Why You May (or May Not) Want to Call a Bully's Parents, How Sibling Relationships Can Impact Bullying, Teach Your Bullied Child How to Take Control of His or Her Life, Protect Your Kids: Don't Be Duped by These Common Myths About Bullying, The Differences Between a Tough Coach and a Bully, How Long-Term Bullying Can Affect Your Child's Life in Many Ways, Why Certain Kids Are Targeted by Bullies More Than the Others, How to Empower Your Children If They Are Bullied by Teammates, Understanding the Mean Girl Phenomenon by Looking for the Signs, How Online High Schools Are Becoming Safe Havens From Bullying. If you see that someone else is being subjected to bullying, one of the best things you can do is speak up. Be sure you understand the potential outcome when your kids defend themselves. Here are nine strategies kids can use to defend themselves against school bullies. It also keeps them safe. For instance, the American Taekwondo Association offers a number of options geared specifically for children. Bullies have a way of projecting their issues onto others; this can be emotionally and psychologically hurtful. No one wants their child to be defenseless when it comes to bullying. I hope you have learned the different ways to protect yourself from cyberbulling and bullies in general. If you have low self-esteem, find ways to feel good about yourself. Bullies may be big gasbags who back down the first time anyone challenges them - or they may be dangerous. Identifying when a situation is about to take a turn for the worse and walking away is one of the best ways to avoid bullying situations. There are also techniques for removing a bully’s fingers from their wrists as well as techniques on how to get free when being restrained. Do Your Kids Have What It Takes to Cope With Bullying? Remind them that it is not a sign of weakness to run from a bully. Although it is never a good idea to encourage your child to fight, there are certain self-defense techniques they can use to protect themselves when attacked. Bullies often target people who do not think highly of themselves. You can tell a lot about a person based on the manner in which they conduct themselves. While it’s upsetting that human beings need a week to remind them to be kind, it’s also heartening that so many people stand to be “united against bullying.” Never allow a bully to make you question who you are or what you know about yourself. And remind them that even when they do not feel confident, like walking into a crowded lunchroom for the first time, they should walk as they do. In many cases, bullies intuitively hone in on what they view as easy people to punch down upon. Also, equip him with some self-defense techniques. Having the right people in your corner also ensures that you are not isolated or alienated from other human beings. Amy Morin, LCSW, is a psychotherapist, international bestselling author and host of the Mentally Strong People podcast. The manner in which bystanders of bullying handle these types of situations truly makes a significant difference. Did you know that if your child is unprepared for bullying or unaware of his surroundings, he is more likely to be targeted? In fact, it takes courage and strength. Collectively fighting back against bullying involves people taking steps to defend themselves and shattering the dynamics which bullies rely upon to mistreat other human beings. Being quiet and submissive is never a good idea. Make sure your kids know that it is acceptable and encouraged to make a lot of noise if someone is threatening them or hurting them. Have them put their cell phones away and look around them. Contact This week is Anti-Bullying Week. The people you like or love are often the worst offenders, whether they meant to or not. Living Together Before Marriage: Is It Worth It? Sometimes the best thing you can do for your kids is to enroll them in a self-defense class. Has it helped you in stressful situations like bullying? Be sure they know that it is not cowardly to walk away. Confidence in yourself speaks volumes and conveys a message before you open your mouth. Be sure your child knows that it is best to go places in groups, especially into bullying hot spots at school. Do you practice a martial art? Some schools have a zero tolerance policy and will suspend both the bully and the victim when physical bullying takes place. An established pattern and witnesses who can vouch significantly makes a difference and will speak volumes. Bullies are less likely to target someone who is with a group of friends. It’s important to protect yourself against bullies, whether as a child or an adult. Save There will always be bullies in various settings and environments, but this doesn’t mean that you have to be a victim. Discuss the importance of avoiding bullying hot spots, how to stay safe on the bus and how to stand up to bullies. Rather than engaging with your bully, try looking in a different direction or continuing with your day as normal. Inspired Forward. Sometimes kids will get into a situation where they cannot walk away immediately. Bullies mainly say or do things to make the other person upset, so make it seem like their comments don’t bother you. A support system also makes a difference if you or someone else needs to report bullying to a higher authority. Try to deal with it on your own first, but if you aren't successful (don't worry, not every bully can be dealt with alone), get help - talk to a parent, a teacher, an older brother or sister, or trusted friend. Have your children practice speaking assertively and in a strong voice at home. 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