A study on bullying by the University of British Columbia showed that: 64 per cent of kids had been bullied at school. 12 per cent were bullied regularly (once or more a week). 13 per cent bullied other students regularly (once or more a week). 72 per cent observed bullying at school at least once in a while.
Taekwon-do (and other martial arts) can help deter bullying among children in two direct ways.
Leblanc Taekwon-do raises $4232.50
for Christmas Daddies at the Halifax Shopping Centre!
The first is to help those who would normally be subject to bullying threats. The study reported that children who were targets of bullies were more lonely and had increased difficult in making friends. Taekwon-do can help develop self-confidence and self assurance in dealing with negative interactions with peers. Bullying is instigated against those who are “weaker” than the perpetrator. A self-confident child is usually overlooked for easier prey.
The second way that Taekwon-do can help is by working with children who are either bullies or are likely candidates to become bullies. Taekwon-do training can help children deal with emotional troubles that can prompt inappropriate behavior by providing a physical and emotional outlet while teaching discipline and a positive characteristics which are lacking in members of this group.
Michael breaks a board for Christmas Daddies.
In September 2009, I registered my 6 and 5 year old sons into Leblanc Taekwon-do in Tantallon. I wanted them to be able to defend themselves and to increase their self-confidence. Just one week after starting Taekwon-do, my 6 year old son weighing all of 42 pounds entered grade 2 at the Hammonds Plains Consolidated School. It was his first year at this 600+ children school since previously he had been attending a private school named Creative Kids Education Centre in Hammonds Plains. It wasn't too far into the year that my son came off the bus with the weight of the world on his shoulders. After awhile of chatting, he finally admitted that he was being bullied by one of the larger, more aggressive boys in his class. He noted that he was being pushed up against the walls at school or cornered by this agressive bully. I quickly reported this to his Taekwon-do instructor, Mr. Leblanc and his Grade 2 teacher, Mrs. Finden. Action was taken to resolve the matter. Mrs. Finden, the principal, and I decided that the parents of the bully would be contacted, Michael was coached by me/Mrs. Finden what to do when/if it happens again, and I chatted with Michael at length about when and how to report a bully. The school and I had differing opinions on how to deal with the bully if Michael was being attacked - the school just wanted Michael to yell or report it; I told Michael that he could punch or kick him once to get away and then run for help (this is also what was taught at Taekwon-do). Mr. Leblanc coached the entire class on what to do when being bullied.
Thankfully, the bullying quickly resolved itself. By the end of the year, Michael actually managed to befriend the "bully" and complete a project with him. His perseverance and acceptance of people (even those that are mean) shone through. Michael is now into his second year of Taekwon-do and each day, his self-esteem grows.
www.leblanctkd.com Tantallon & Halifax, Nova Scotia
www.fallrivertkd.ca Fall River, Nova Scotia
www.bluetaekwondo.com Lawrencetown, Nova Scotia