My Kid Is Being Bullied

We know all too well, through social media and stories in the news, that bullying continues to be a major issue. Research shows that bullying peaks in the 5th, 6th, and 7th grades but can occur at virtually any time. As parents, finding out that your child is being bullied is one of the most heartbreaking moments. All we want for our children is to feel loved, happy, safe, and protected. The good news is there are steps that you as a parent can take to stop your child from being bullied and avoid bullying in the future.

One of the most effective ways to help your child deal with bullying is to enroll them in martial arts. We believe that no other industry is in a better position to do something about bullying than the martial arts industry.

Self-Control:

Learning self-control is one of the most important skills a child can develop. Martial arts help children learn how to develop self-control so they can make decisions and respond to stressful situations in a way that results in positive outcomes. It teaches them to think before acting, to avoid contact with bullies when possible, and the discipline to control their body and emotions to help defuse a situation before it escalates. Bullies look to deliberately hurt people with their words and actions, but if your child knows how to control their emotions and physical actions, they retain their power.

Confidence:

More often than not, bullies seek out shy and timid children as they are deemed easy targets. Bullying can erode a child’s confidence, so developing this skill is an important step in preventing and stopping bullying. Martial arts helps develop confidence in many ways. It's taught in a group setting, allowing children to interact with students and instructors of various ages, skill levels, and backgrounds. These interactions teach them the importance of socializing, speaking up, looking people in the eye, and carrying themselves with confidence. They are no longer the shy, timid targets that bullies are looking for.

Perseverance:

When a child has been bullied, it can take an emotional toll on them. Martial arts teaches them how to persevere despite difficulties, disappointment, and adversity. Running from problems does not make them go away; instead, we must learn how to tackle life’s challenges and keep going. The more they persevere, the more confident they become, and the less likely they are to be bullied in the future.

By teaching kids to be Upstanders rather than Bystanders, martial arts empowers them to not only deal with their own bullying situations but also to take action when they witness bullying happening to others. Together, we can work to put a stop to bullying once and for all.

At Kovar's, we teach children not just how to avoid or deal with bullying but also the importance of being an Upstander. Through martial arts, children gain confidence in their physical and mental abilities, enabling them to stand up for themselves and do what's right when needed. Let's work together to create a safe and respectful environment for all children.

If your child is being bullied, remember that martial arts can provide them with the tools and skills to combat bullying effectively. Together, as parents, instructors, and communities, we can make a difference and put an end to bullying.