Bullying

This week will focus on the topic of bullying in school.  Bullying has become a huge issue that affects everyone, kids, teachers, parents, and siblings.  This form of abuse can and does have long-term effects on youthful victims, robbing them of self-esteem, isolating them from their peers, causing them to drop out of school, and even prompting health problems and suicide.  According to recent statistics, nearly one third of children are bullied once a month.  Moreover, six out of ten teens witness bullying everyday.  Witnessing bullying can be harmful, too, as it may make the witness feel helpless - or that he or she is the next target.

Children who are bullied are often singled out because of a perceived difference between them and others, whether because of appearance (size, weight, or clothes), intellect, or, increasingly, ethnic or religious affiliation and sexual orientation.

And bullying can be a gateway behavior, teaching the perpetrator that threats and aggression are acceptable even in adulthood.  In one study, nearly 60 percent of boys whom researchers classified as bullies in grades six to nine were convicted of at least one crime by the age of 24, while 40 percent had three or more convictions.

We cannot allow this plague to continue!  As responsible members of society, we must take the initiative to teach about bullying, stop bullying when we see it taking place, and report bullies and their actions to the appropriate adult (either their parents or teacher).

First, let us focus on teaching about bullying and how to recognize the predictive behaviors involved.  Our next post will be on teaching our children about bullying.  Please tell all your friends about this blog to help stop this disease in its tracks!!!!

Aurora Krav Maga & Fitness

Practical self defense for an Impractical World