How to Avoid Being a Victim of Bullying
According to Pacer’s National Bullying Prevention Center, one in four students reported they were bullied during the school year, and 14.8% of high school students in the United States have reported that they were bullied online.
The consequences of bullying can be devastating. Children who are bullied are more likely to experience a decrease in their academic performance, anxiety, depression, and behavioral problems.
How can kids avoid becoming the victim of a bully? Here are some tips that can be highly effective to combat being the victim of the name calling, teasing, and harassment associated with this behavior.
1. Be Confident
Typically, bullies tend to focus on those who appear to lack confidence and are unsure of themselves.
- Kids need to have inner confidence, and the ability to project that confidence outward. This means standing tall, making eye contact, being friendly and taking pride in their appearance.
- 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.
2. Gain the Support of Friends
Typically, bullies tend to take aim at children who are ‘loners.’ Support from friends is a highly powerful force against bullies.
- Kids who stick together are targeted less
- Remaining in contact with those friends – in the halls at school, on the bus, or in the cafeteria for example, can make them less of a target
3. Stand Up
When a child learns to stand up for themselves, it goes a long way in shutting down the chances of further victimization.
- Stand tall, look the bully in the eye, tell them to stop and then walk away
Kids have the power to stop bullies, and martial arts can help them find that power. We teach confidence, teamwork, respect, courtesy and pride in our students. These qualities go a long way to combat bullying.
PS- You can empower your kids with our FREE Bully-Proof seminar on Saturday, October 27th.
Kids 3-6 9:45
Kids 7-12 11:15
Call 440-877-9112 or PM
