Why Bulling Matters

As martial arts school owners, our mission is to educate, inspire, and empower individuals of all ages. In this article, we address a topic that we know affects many children (and by extension their parents and families) - bullying.

We believe that by equipping both you and your child with effective strategies, we can help create a safe and supportive environment for everyone.

According to the Australian Institute of Family Studies, bullying is a significant issue in Australia, affecting many children and adolescents.

Here are some relevant Australian bullying statistics:

Prevalence of bullying: Approximately one in four Australian students (27%) report being bullied frequently. This includes both face-to-face bullying and cyberbullying.
Impact on mental health: Bullying can have severe consequences on a child's mental health and well-being. Research shows that victims of bullying are more likely to experience anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and suicidal thoughts.
Reporting and intervention: Unfortunately, many cases of bullying go unreported. Only about one-third of Australian students who are bullied (36%) actually report the incidents to someone they trust. It is crucial to encourage children to speak up and seek help when they experience bullying.

Bullying Resources for Parents

**Read more about bullying**
Find out what it is, and what it is not HERE

**Is your child being bullied?**
Look for THESE SIGNS
**Need help talking to your kids about bullying?**
Find helpful resources HERE

**Is YOUR child doing the bullying?**
Read THIS Parent Fact Sheet
By raising awareness, promoting empathy, and providing support, we can work towards creating safer and more inclusive environments for all children in Australia.

Here are five strategies that can help:

Encourage open communication: Create an environment where your child feels comfortable discussing their experiences with you. Encourage them to share any incidents of bullying, no matter how small, so that you can address the issue together. Ensure your child understands who to tell, at school and at home, if they are being bullied.
Teach assertiveness skills: Help your child develop assertiveness skills to stand up for themselves in a respectful manner. Role-play different scenarios and teach them how to use confident body language/posture, maintain distance, and using assertive (non aggressive) verbal responses.
Foster empathy and kindness: Teach your child the importance of empathy and kindness towards others. Encourage them to be inclusive, understanding, and supportive of their peers. By promoting a culture of inclusion and kindness, we can help prevent bullying from occurring in the first place.
Build self-confidence through martial arts: Enrolling your child in martial arts classes can significantly boost their self-confidence and self-esteem. Martial arts training teaches self-discipline, respect, and resilience. At BBMA Hornsby, our kids programs empower children - teaching them how to set boundaries and handle challenging situations with kindness and confidence. We also teach children how to be 'up-standers' (not 'by-standers') should they witness bullying, how to avoid being targeted by bullies, and what to do if they are bullied
Establish a strong support network: Encourage your child to build positive relationships with their teachers, coaches, and fellow students. Having a strong support network can provide them with the necessary emotional support and guidance when dealing with bullying situations.

Need tips on how to talk to your child's school? Collaboration between parents, teachers, and schools is crucial in addressing and preventing bullying. Find out more HERE: https://bullyingnoway.gov.au/responding-to-bullying/how-families-can-respond

5 Strategies to Deal with Bullying: Top Tips for Parents

Why Bulling Matters

Here are five strategies that can help: