Children often face peer bullying at school, the neighborhood or at home, but bullying can have serious and lasting effects on a child. kid‘S mental And emotional happiness. Since children spend a lot of time in school and are most vulnerable to bullying in these spaces, it is imperative that schools serve as a safe and peaceful environment for children to grow and develop.
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Mohammed Sharif Bhat, Head of the Project Office at Bal Raksha Bharat in Jammu and Kashmir, shared: “When schools provide quality, inclusive and safe education in a In a peaceful environment, children will learn, build friendships and achieve important achievements. skills they need to navigate social situations. Such an environment also fosters teachers and students to become fellow learners in the teaching and learning process. The need is even more urgent for the most disadvantaged children, especially girls who are first-generation students.”
He suggests some tips for educating children so they can protect themselves from bullying:
- Educating children to recognize bullying:
Educate your child about what bullying looks like. Make sure they understand that bullying can be physical, verbal, or emotional.
- Encourage them to speak up:
Encourage your child to speak up if they see someone being bullied or if they are being bullied themselves. Let them know it’s okay to talk to a trusted adult about it.
- Develop their self-esteem:
Children with high self-esteem are less likely to be targets of bullies. Encourage your child to participate in activities that make them feel good about themselves.
- Teach them coping strategies:
Teach your child healthy ways to deal with bullying, such as staying calm, using assertive language, and seeking help.
Role-play with your child in different situations, so they know how to react if they are being bullied. Practice using assertive language and defending yourself.
Help your child understand the impact of their words and actions on others. Teach them to be kind and empathetic towards others.
- Model respectful behavior:
Children learn by example, so it’s important to model respectful behavior in your own interactions with others.
He adds: “By educating children about bullying and giving them the tools to protect themselves, you can help and ensure that they feel confident and empowered in any situation. . Incorporating peace education into the school system is an important requirement of our time in order to build a child into a responsible citizen.”
Bringing her expertise to the end, Ajay Gupta, Founder of Bachpan Play Schools and Academic Heights Public Schools and Co-Founder of Rishihood University and Must & More Diagnostic Center, reveals: “Empowering children to defend themselves Before bullying is just one aspect. of teaching self-defense; It is also important to give them the confidence and courage to stand up for what is right, for themselves and for others. The goal is to help them develop socially and emotionally so that they can successfully navigate the complex dynamics of interpersonal interactions and recognize when boundaries are crossed.”
“Self-awareness is the first step in learning self-defense because it teaches children to understand their own emotions and reactions to situations,” he stresses. By actively listening, empathizing, and communicating with children, adults can create an environment where children feel safe and supported to express themselves honestly. This helps children build emotional intelligence, helping them manage their emotions and reactions effectively. As their emotional intelligence develops, children can learn to communicate assertively, set boundaries, and handle conflict constructively. They can learn to identify and reject negative beliefs and behaviors, such as low self-esteem or social exclusion, that can put them at risk for bullying.”
He concludes, “Children with these skills can advocate for themselves and others and they can have a positive influence in their schools and communities. The ultimate goal of teaching children self-defense techniques against bullying is to foster an environment that values kindness, generosity, and inclusion. The goal is to create a society where bullying is not accepted and where children feel valued and capable. By encouraging children’s social and emotional development, we can help them become the best version of themselves and create a better future for everyone.”
