Bullying is a problem in Los Angeles, across California and throughout the United States. It has gained significant attention because of the physical and emotional damage it can do to children. Steps to reduce and outright stop it are often proven to be futile. With that in mind, parents are taking the matter into their own hands while still giving their children the tools to handle it themselves. That includes classes to educate children on strategies to deal with bullies. Still, there are cases in which it does not stop and the problem escalates to the degree where it may be wise to consider other options.
Anti-bullying classes strive to teach children about effective defense tactics
For parents with children who have had an issue with bullying, a class in Los Angeles is trying to help. The class has been teaching kids about anti-bullying techniques for eight years. The goal is to give kids the tools not to be equally aggressive, but to defend themselves. In-person school has been interrupted with the ongoing health concerns, but it is expected to restart as normal this autumn. Once that happens, the chance for bullying to start again becomes a problem for many kids.
It is an unfortunate truth that bullies will continue to try and take advantage of those they consider weak and vulnerable. The classes try to educate kids how to be ready in multiple ways. Bullying impacts kids from the time they start school and all the way up through high school and even beyond. It can harm their education, lead to personal problems and make them not want to go to school at all.
There are ways to address bullying if conventional advice fails
Simply saying “stand up to a bully” may not be enough to make bullying and abuse stop. It could even make it worse. Some kids are too embarrassed or afraid to tell parents, teachers or other adults about it. If the child comes home with signs that something is wrong, it might be important to consider legal options. Indicators include bruises and cuts; being withdrawn; a reluctance to go to school; poor grades; depression; lower self-esteem; acting out; eating problems; and other unexplained changes. After contacting the school and even taking the child to a class for anti-bullying techniques, it might be useful to have legal assistance. This could hold the bully’s parents and the school accountable.
