Bullying is a serious problem in a lot of schools around the world. In fact, a few reports suggest that no school is left untouched from bullying. There is no way to ensure that your child will not have to deal with being bullied at some point in time, but that doesn’t mean that you cannot help to protect your child from bullying. The first step in protecting your child is to let your child know exactly what to expect from a friendship. Then, make sure that your child understands the schools guidelines for bullying. Lastly, there are self-defense programs specifically engineered to fight back against a bully.
 

 
The first step in protecting your kids from the school bully is helping your kids to understand what bullying is. Everyone argues with their friends once in a while, so it can be difficult for kids to understand what is acceptable, and what is not. Help your child understand that a nurturing friendship is not one that leaves people hurt, or feeling unwanted. Not all bullying is physical, so it is important that your child learns that words can hurt people, too. Once your child understands how to treat other children in a respectful manner, they will understand better what to expect from others.
 
The second step is also part of raising awareness for bullying. Every public school should have a certain set of guidelines, or rules, that their school is expected to follow. In these guidelines, bullying should be defined in a way that children understand. These guidelines should also show kids the protocol to follow if they are feeling threatened by a bully. Too often cases of bullying go reported, but unsolved. Demand the attention of the school officials if that is what it takes to help your child’s voice be heard. Make sure that your child knows exactly what bullying is according to their school, and how to go about filing a complaint.
 
The third step is the last resort to dealing with a bully; self-defense. There are fighting styles dedicated to helping children solve conflicts without throwing a single blow, while using the bully’s size against them. Jiu- Jitsu is one of the most popular martial arts for children, and for very good reason. Jiu-Jitsu was created by the Gracie family, and was specifically created to help stop bullies. Jiu-jitsu is also a great confidence builder for children. It teaches them that it isn’t okay to initiate conflicts, but also teaches them defensive techniques to put an end to being bullied.
 
Bullying is a problem for young children, and is directly linked to the increase of suicides in young adults. Your child has the right to feel safe, and if they don’t, then you are obligated to help them feel safer. Not every case of bullying can go reported, of course. But the more that people learn about this tragic problem, then the more kids will feel that they are in the right for seeking help.
 
Travis Newville
Breckenridge, Michigan