How Elementary School Students Can Protect Themselves

No one wants their child to be bullied. Thankfully, there are several steps that parents can take to stand up to these situations at school.

When kids are prepared for challenging situations, they’re more likely to deal with the issue successfully. Each encounter becomes an opportunity to develop internal strength, self-confidence, and self-esteem.

Those assets will serve them well as they get older and become adults.

Self-defense is often thought of as physical force or hitting back. That may be the case in some situations, but it can also have a broader meaning. Here’s a closer look.

Walk With a Purpose

Kids who stride with confidence from Point A to Point B exude confidence with their body language. It creates a powerful energy that feels positive and untouchable. Walk with eyes up and shoulders back while making eye contact in neutral ways to project leadership.

Even if a child doesn’t feel confident, walking like they are with strong body language can help their feelings eventually catch up with their posture.

Speak with a Neutral Voice

When people speak to a bully in a voice that doesn’t contain angst, anger or worry, it will often diffuse a situation before it starts. It’s tempting to respond to an unkind remark with something similar, but that often escalates the situation. Ignoring words is often the best idea, even if the bully tries to turn the situation into a joke.

Stay in a Group

Bullies like to target kids that sit or walk alone. They’re less likely to pick on people when they’re with a group of friends. This idea helps at the typical school hot spots for these encounters, such as the locker room, the bathroom, the playground, or the cafeteria. Bus rides to school can also be a place where bullying happens. It isn’t as easy to sit with friends, so get a spot next to the driver to feel safe.