There are a number of resources available to combat the current trends in Bullying and Cyberbullying. Since this list is not as extensive as I would like it to be, I encourage you to conduct your own research online and utilize as many local community resources as possible. *****Be sure to check some high interest information at the bottom of this page, as I do conduct special presentations on Bullying for small groups or schools*****
STOMP Out Bullying focuses on reducing and preventing bullying, cyberbullying, sexting and other digital abuse, educating against homophobia, racism and hatred, decreasing school absenteeism, and deterring violence in schools, online and in communities across the country. It teaches effective solutions on how to respond to all forms of bullying; as well as educating kids and teens in school and online, providing help for those in need and at risk of suicide, raising awareness, peer mentoring programs in schools, public service announcements and social media campaigns.
BullyingInfo.org is a fantastic resource for parents that includes tips to effectively deal with the situation. There are even sections dividing the issue for different age groups; kids, teens, and young adults; with resources for parents, educators and getting involved in your community. You can learn all about bullying and what you can do to stop it. Take a look around and you’ll find games and cartoon Webisodes that help you Take a Stand and Lend a Hand. Also known as Stop Bullying Now!
McGruff the Crime Dog has been talking about the issues that matter to U.S. citizens for more than 25 years. Now he’s addressing some of the latest crime trends and concerns – from Internet crime to bullying to identity theft. National Crime Prevention Council
Perhaps one of the most important references I’ve found is the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) which lists each state and classifies the various state laws addressing these three different types of online behaviors; Cyberstalking, Cyberharassment and Cyberbullying. Do you know if your state has laws for these? Don’t be surprised, be informed!
To locate more information on states (and their schools) who have enacted anti-bullying laws, see: BullyPolice USA: A Watchdog Organization.
Cyberbullying or Internet Safety Laws have been enacted in several states. You will often find these laws attached to the public school anti-bullying legislation. For information on which states have enacted cyberbullying legislation, see: State Cyber Bullying Laws: A Brief Review of State Cyberbullying Laws and Policies
A letter to concerned parents…How to Beat the Bully by Coach Clyde Arnold. Please note that this letter defines my personal approach to addressing the issue. It may not be the only answer but is certainly a positive start in the right direction!
As a long time subscriber to Black Belt Magazine (at least since 1984) I frequently come across informative articles which would be beneficial to those outside of interests in the martial arts. I would like to share this article titled, Stop Bullying Now, 12 Best Ways to End Physical Bullying in Schools.
Of local interest to Northern Kentucky is a grassroots effort at http://www.coexistinpeace.org/ and NKYyouth.org(NKYyouth.org also has an excellent resource for scholarships available!)
As always, I make efforts at being available for school, or small group presentations with a slide show of my own regarding bullying. I have titled it, “Beat The Bully…Without Fighting!” In this presentation I quickly dispel the myth that martial arts instructors teach kids problem resolution with fists and feet! This is far from true and is actually against the school code and creed in nearly every martial arts school in America.
Parents, please don’t let the media paint a nasty picture for you. Don’t think or choose to believe that every martial arts school has a foul-mouthed tattoo’d up freak ready to turn your child into a war machine. Any instructor (tattoos, sorry about that, or not) who genuinely cares for the future of our children will tell you that certain traditions of martial arts are important to them. Respect, good sportmanship, teamwork, self-discipline, loyalty, integrity, honor and many more I’m sure. Give each school the benefit of the doubt. Ask to observe a class and then speak with a few parents and students. Listen and make your choice. The martial arts have so much to offer for young people!