Tennessee Fights Back on Bullying

Bully Proof Your Kids

October 4, 2011 Columbia, Tennessee Bullying is a widespread and serious national problem that can happen anywhere. It is not a phase children have to go through, it is not "just messing around", and it is not something to grow out of. Bullying can cause serious and lasting harm whether it is verbal, social, physical or cyber-bullying.

October is National Anti-Bullying Awareness Month. Every child deserves to be treated with respect. According to Bullying Statistics, bullying, both physical and verbal bullying, is the most common form of violence in school with one incident of bullying occurring every seven minutes. It is estimated that 160,000 children miss school every day due to the fear of attack or intimidation by other students and 77% of students have admitted to being the victim of some type of bullying.

The Tennessee Department of Education has defined bullying as “conduct that meets one or more of the following criteria: is an act directed at one or more students that is intended to harm or embarrass; is repeated over time; and involves an imbalance of physical, emotional, or social power." The State of Tennessee has required every school district to have a policy prohibiting bullying and harassment according to Tennessee Code Ann. 49-6-1016 and charges the school districts to have procedures for investigating reports of bullying and harassment.

Because of the wide spread amount of bullying, it is important for parents and teachers to communicate with children about bullying. According to statistics from the Department of Justice, 58% of bullied students never report the abuse. Open communication with children about bullying and adult awareness of the signs of bullying is the best way to stop an abusive situation and prevent the bully from targeting others.

Another strategy which empowers and boosts self-esteem for children is to attend a Bully Prevention Program, such as the program offered at Moody’s Martial Arts in Columbia. “We learned short and simple techniques from Moody’s in the Bully Prevention Program,” Jackie Monroe says. Gordon Monroe has been bullied for a full year at school and the when this new school year ramped up, so did the bullying. Jackie Monroe, Gordon's mother, sought help to be proactive and protect Gordon. “Gordon learned how to speak up for himself and how to be confident. He has learned that being brave is speaking up. He has learned how to communicate what is happening, how to better diffuse a situation, where to reach out to for support and help and now stands up for others.”

National Anti-Bullying Awareness Month is a great time to learn the warning signs of bullying, learn about the long term effects of bullying, communicate with others, and become proactive to stop the bullying in our community.

###

Moody’s Martial Arts:  Moody’s Martial Arts teaches students of all ages from a proven curriculum developed by the American Taekwondo Association (ATA). The ATA’s teaching methods have allowed it to become the premier martial arts organization in the world. Moody’s ATA instructors are with you every step of the way, helping you reach your individual goals.  http://moodysata.com/programs/karate-for-kids/

Moody’s Martial Arts
www.moodysata.com

931-381-0006