HELP with Bullying - Anti-Bullying Tips

Arizona Bullying Intervention Initiative Phoenix BullyProof Project

General Types of Bullying

• Physical
• Mental
• Manipulation

H.E.L.P. Method for Bullying Prevention

H

Have a good plan for preventing bullying.  Avoid those situations that lead to bullying.  Stay away from insults, teasing and picking on others.  Avoid reacting to taunts, teasing and harassment.  Bullying back makes things worse.

E

Elevate your awareness.  Know what bullying is and what bullying behavior looks like.  Bullying can be done by anyone, boys, girls, tall, short, older and even younger.  Remember that bullying is a behavior that needs to be avoided.  Decide not to be a bully.

L

Learn to ask for help.  It's OK to feel afraid but don't be scared to ask for the help you need.  Ask in private not in public.  You don't want to embarrass or anger others.  It is better to go to a teacher, parent or coach and report bullying behavior to help the person.

P

Protect your mind and body.  Imagine mean words as a gift you can choose to accept or just throw away.  That is your power.  As a last resort, you should shield yourself and escape to safety.  Cover your head with your arms, use a table or other object as a barrier to buy time for you can escape.

For more bullying prevention tips and training click here
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Arizona-Bullying-Prevention-Project/195880673766509 

Phoenix AZ School Children Take a Stand Against Bullying With Stand4Change National Event

For immediate release
Media contact: John Nottingham 602-896-8721

USA Martial Arts & Kickboxing Phoenix is proud to announce our partnership in promoting Stand4Change.  Started by Ken Kragen (Defeat The Label), the mastermind behind "We Are The World" "Hands Across America" and Cisco System's "NetAid." Stand 4 Change is a Bullying awareness campaign involving millions of students around the world.

USA Martial Arts students will be bringing information to their school administrators to help students get involved.  Let's take a stand against bullying Phoenix Arizona!

Take a Stand Against Bullying on May 4, 2012!

Join celebrities like Justin Bieber, Cody Simpson and the Jonas Brothers in taking a stand against bullying.  This is an opportunity for you to be a part of history.

Enough is enough!
Now is the time to stand up against bullying. Join Defeat The Label on Stand4Change Day
and be a part of this historic rallying point for the anti-bullying movement.

Did you know?

• Every 7 minutes a child is bullied. (The U.S. Department of Justice)
• 1 in 7 students is either a bully or a victim of bullying. (www.education.com)
• 160,000 students stay home from school every day for fear of bullying. (National Association of School
Psychologists)

Imagine millions of students and teachers across America standing for change to demonstrate their
commitment to putting an end to bullying. On Friday, May 4, 2012 at 12 p.m. EST, that image will become a reality as we all stop, stand and let the world know we will no longer tolerate bullying in our schools and our communities.

Let’s use peer pressure for something positive and bring attention to bullying, a serious issue that affects
everyone – bullies, victims and bystanders.

WHEN? Let’s make history on Stand4Change Day by standing together for Eive minutes, united against
bullying on Friday, May 4 at 12 PM EST.

WHERE? Every classroom, in every school in America.

WHY? If students in every school across the nation “Stand4Change” on May 4, they will not only set the
record as the largest group of people standing for a single cause at one time, they will draw national attention
to this critical issue.

HOW? Visit www.stand4change.org and register your school as a participant in Stand4Change Day on Friday,
May 4.

Stand4Change was developed by Defeat The Label and Ken Kragen. Ken Kragen is the creator and organizer of  “We Are the World”, “Hands Across America”, and Cisco System’s “NetAid”.

Here are some links to Bullying Prevention information:

http://stand4change.org//

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=iWsmiostSR4#! Cody Simpson Stands 4 Change

http://bullyingpreventionworld.wordpress.com/ Blog

http://bullyproofingarizona.blogspot.com/ Blog

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Arizona-Bullying-Prevention-Project/195880673766509   Facebook ABPP

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bullying-Prevention-Initiative-International/240455266014141 Facebook BPII

http://usamartialartshq.blogspot.com/  Blog

http://usamartialarts.wordpress.com/2011/03/12/how-to-handle-a-bully-arizona-bullying-prevention-project/  Blog

Bullying Prevention Program by Bodyguards Helps Kids Battle Bullying Peacefully and With Dignity

Bully Armor | Bullying Shield | BullyProof Vest Bully Defense | How To Deal With Bullying

BullyProof Vest is to my knowledge, the only bullying prevention program developed by professional protectors in cooperation with educators, therapists, parents and children.  I believe it is also the only program that incorporates advanced threat assessment.  Unlike most programs, it does not offer generic advice or overly specific advice as prescription without diagnosis.  Our first role is to listen, investigate and then advise an appropriate course of action.  Our focus is efficacy and have a 26 year track record of success in handling bullying behavior.  

Built On The Golden Rule - Respect, Empathy and Compassion

One of the key elements of our instruction is instilling a foundation of respect.  This is part of an inclusive school/organizational culture that comes from identifying core values then reinforcing those values at every echelon.  This culture of gentility, compassion and kindness goes a long way in making an environment a more civil place.

John Nottingham's Three Shields of Bullying Prevention

The child targeted for bullying, the child who is bullying and the social environment are all treated.  This is part of what we refer to as The Three Shields Bullying Prevention Strategy.  It is oriented toward a long term solution as well as immediate measures for the safety and well-being of a child.

BullyProofing & Victim-Proofing

Another component of our instruction encompasses emotional resilience training, but never blaming the child being targeted for bullying.  While other programs may encourage tattling (bullying by proxy/abdication), children learn the difference between telling and tattling (ratting - age appropriate vernacular).  Teachers are a resource - not professional protectors, bodyguards or bullying Police.  Punitive measures are a slippery slope that must be navigated carefully or it can backfire, escalate or have other unintended consequences.  Our approach takes a different path that is more child, proactive and safety oriented.  This gives children hope, dignity and options so they do not resort to detrimental or extreme ends.

Bullying Prevention is Built on a Foundation of Respect and a Respect Culture

The goal is to teach students to respect and protect free speech while protecting themselves with mental, emotional and even physical blocks or defense.  We role play body language (assertion competence), word blocks (Verbal Judo), and teach skills to put things in context (threat assessment) to make wiser judgement and problem solve (The ABC's of conflict avoidance/S.T.A.R.).

Bullying Prevention to Train The Trainers

More often these days my role is working with staff and other influential leaders to develop and assess bullying prevention programs and protocols, however, I am happy to be of any service that ads value or contributes toward the safety and peace of mind of children.  

Worldwide Bullying Prevention Collaboration to Raise Awareness

My Bullying Prevention Initiative International organization have just initiated a plan to collaborate with an international event on Bullying Prevention with the participation of school children around the world.  A variety of celebrities are on board as well as other significant promotional efforts.  This will be the largest awareness endeavor on bullying prevention to date.  We will be releasing more shortly.  Please advise if interested in being part of it.

Free Bullying Prevention Workshops "How To Deal With Bullying Like a Bodyguard" 

I also host regular Bullying Prevention workshops, camps and training as a community service at my USA Martial Arts & Kickboxing school in Phoenix. I would encourage readers to consider sending students, teachers, parents or interested parties. 

Here are some links to some information:

http://bullyingpreventionworld.wordpress.com/ Blog

http://bullyproofingarizona.blogspot.com/ Blog

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Arizona-Bullying-Prevention-Project/195880673766509   Facebook ABPP

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bullying-Prevention-Initiative-International/240455266014141 Facebook BPII

http://usamartialartshq.blogspot.com/  Blog

http://usamartialarts.wordpress.com/2011/03/12/how-to-handle-a-bully-arizona-bullying-prevention-project/  Blog

Even if you choose not to work with me, I hope these resources can provide you with some valuable insights, research and information to make a more informed choice.  Thank you in advance for your consideration and your efforts to build a more peaceful community.

Respectfully,

John Nottingham

Arizona Bullying Prevention Project

Bullying Prevention Initiative International

Community Partners in Peace Education

USA Martial Arts & Kickboxing Phoenix
Nottingham Sword & Shield Security Bodyguards
iLoveKickboxingPhoenix.com WEBSPECIAL
KidsLoveMartialArtsPhoenix.com WEBSPECIAL

Bully Busters: The Battle against Bullying with Tips for Parents and Kids on VoiceAmerica Outreach Today

Bully Busters: The Battle against Bullying with Tips for Parents and Kids

Aired January 18, 2012

Hosted by Melissa Jenkins-Simon with Co-Host Diane Stafford

Listen to the show on Bullying:  LISTEN NOW

Download mp3: http://www.voiceamerica.com/show/download/58770

itunes: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=456371519

Today I was a phone in guest on VoiceAmerica Variety Channel show Outreach Today with Melissa Jenkins-Simon.  www.voiceamerica.com/show/1955/outreach-today  The above links will allow you to hear it if you missed to broadcast.

The featured subject in the show was Bullying and how parents can help equip their children for bullying.  I was asked about some of the strategies I teach to assist children with bullying education and training.  In this blog I have included some of those tips and expanded on the ideas for which we didn't have time.

Bullying Prevention - A Professional Protectors Point of View
To this day I believe my programs are the only bullying prevention programs:

• Developed by a professional protector
• Trained in bullying prevention
• Conflict resolution
• Verbal Judo
• Advanced Threat Assessment
• Non-violent/force apporopriate self defense, who is also a teacher with over 26 years of successfully teaching bullying prevention.

My Bully Proof Vest and Bullying Prevention Bootcamp (teaching one this Saturday for free) programs cover the full range of bullying prevention issues including avoiding, deterring, de-escalating as well as force appropriate, less violent personal protection.

My bullying prevention programs focus on:
 1. Treatment of the intended target of bullying (I do not like to label children a "victim").
 2. Treatment of the child exhibiting the bullying behavior.
 3. The social atmosphere and culture enabling the process.

The Three Shields Bullying Prevention Approach
This three pronged approach is what I refer to as the THREE SHIELDS strategy.  Drawing upon ancient martial arts wisdom, the three shields also represent the MIND, BODY and SPIRIT, or elements of a human being, that must be considered.

Each bullying situation is unique so it is important that we don't overly generalize and recognize the importance of understanding the dynamics and facts before rushing to judgement or offering overly specific prescription without adequate diagnosis.  This is where the wisdom of caring teachers, parents and administrators comes in. They can bring a sense of calm wisdom to bear in an effort to treat the situation appropriately.

Five Steps To Handling a Bully Effectively Without Fighting
1. Make friends.  Friendship beats bullying.
2. Tell everyone until they listen.
3. Avoid the bullying set up and bad situations. Listen to your gut.
4. Take a stand early.  " STOP! "
5. Defend yourself from bullying. Nobody has the right to hurt you.

Verbal Judo Comeback Lines to Stop Bullying
1. Humor: "You're funny. The last time I heard that I was in pre-school."
2. Cleverness: "I hear you. Too bad my spam-box is full."

How Parents Can Help Children With Bullying
1. Be a good listener and actively work on your relationship with your child.
2. Be a good role model of safe behavior and how to problem solve using your mind and peaceful means.
3. Role play safety and bullying scenarios as quality time.
4. Watch for signs and be prepared to stay involved.
5. Use resources and get educated so you can respond rather than react.  Use it as a teachable moment.

Following the show my friend and fellow martial artist, Police Officer Eric Gugel commented on his experience as a law enforcement professional and father regarding bullying.  He shared with me that he is being called in to deal with bullying situations as a Police Officer.  He encourages individuals, parents and children to learn conflict resolution skills.  Thanks Officer Gugel for your service to your community and being a great role model of professional law enforcement.

Be a Hero

"If You See Something Say Something!"

Conflict Avoidance for Bullying Prevention overview
A = Always practice safe habits and avoid potentially bad situations with alertness to safety priorities
B= Breathe to stay calm and respond rather than react out of emotion
C= Communicate with confidence, body language is key for projecting inner-strength. Tell others - you're not alone.
D= Defend yourself. Common sense before self defense but nobody has the right to injure you. Protect yourself from physical bullying and escape to safety.
For more click here

For more information we are hosting a Bullying Event
The hosts were kind enough to mention our Bullying Prevention Bootcamp for children this Saturday at USA Martial Arts & Kickboxing Phoenix.  The free bullying prevention workshop will be from 12:30-1:15 and cover some fundamentals from my Bully Proof Vest program.  Contact info@usa-martialarts.com or call 602-896-8721 to register for this free event.

 http://phoenix-martialarts.com/blog/
Facebook Arizona Bullying Prevention Project
Webspecial Children's Martial Arts Bullying Prevention http://KidsLoveMartialArtsPhoenix.com

Is Martial Arts The Best Bullying Prevention Training for Children?

Bullying Prevention - The Case for Martial Arts


Over the past 25+ years of teaching martial arts and our self defense security strategies to over 10,000 people I believe martial arts can be a fantastic solution for successfully and peacefully addressing bullying.

In my view martial arts can, depending on how it is taught, have a profound impact on reducing bullying behavior by treating the core of the issue - the individual and his or her relationship with those around them.  

1. Martial Arts encourages investment in ones self which builds self esteem and confidence.  This can often remove a child from the victim selection profile.
2. Builds emotional intelligence and social skills based on polite courtesy and good manners. This can help them make better decisions, resolve and cope with conflict.
3. Encourages empathy and self control (some of us teach anger management)
4. Creates a noble culture in avoiding violence and creating peace.  This preserves an individuals dignity.
5. Inspires taking action and the courage to defend and speak up for others (the bystander)
6. Builds leadership skills to influence others in a positive manner
7. Provides a positive outlet for energy
8. Has a track record for reducing stress 
9. Teaches defensive options that include a range of force choices (without training the options are escape or extreme violence that can often be excessive for lack of other options) 
10. Training provides options that not having training denies.

Another benefit to having a child in a martial arts school is that they have another advocate.  I've had numerous children come to me to tell me about a bullying problem when they did not feel comfortable sharing that with their parents.  

In a good martial arts school we each have the opportunity to make positive friendships and develop an encouraging peer group supportive of our development and goals.  Furthermore, we have an opportunity to learn more about ourselves, facing fears, insecurities and limiting beliefs in a safe-haven designed for our success.  

However, as with anything, martial arts has its anomalies and some instructors are bullies themselves - no different than the rest of society.  That is why it is important to find a good school with the right instructors and curriculum.  I would also argue for traditional martial arts with clearly defined philosophy, tenets and life skills curriculum.  Many modern schools emphasize socially acceptable fighting, vanity, self promotion and a culture steeped in tribal dominance.  So when I advocate martial arts instruction for bullying prevention, I clearly support schools emphasizing personal development with an empowerment (rather than fear or dominance) based culture.

Feel free to contact me or my team for seminars, corporate speaking, school assemblies, presentations, training or consultation.  

Respectfully,

John Nottingham
USA Martial Arts Phoenix AZ USA
Arizona Bullying Prevention Initiative
The Bullying Prevention Project

Telephone: 602-896-8721

email: info@usa-martialarts.comhttp://USA-MartialArts.com
http://JohnNottingham.com
http://bullyproofingarizona.blogspot.com/
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Bully Prevention Training Workshop

For immediate release

A free Bully Prevention Training Workshop will be held at USA Martial Arts newest location in Paradise Valley/Scottsdale.

Why: Bullying is a serious problem facing children
When:  Saturday 10:30-11:30am May 22
Where: USA Martial Arts Scottsdale PV Phoenix
Cost: Free

The event is FREE to the public due to sponsorship fromNottingham Sword & Shield Security and USA Martial Arts.

Participants will learn how to avoid, prevent and manage bully behavior through techniques such as:
     o When to speak up
     o How to be a super-friend
     o When to tell an adult

USA Martial Arts is hosting a Bully Prevention Workshop to once again help combat the ever-growing problem faced by our children. Come join us for this FREE presentation. Email info@usa-martialarts.com or call 602-896-8721 for more info and to sign up.You must be pre-registered to attend. We look forward to seeing all of you there. Bring a friend!

NOTE: Bully Guard Bully Proofing course also offered at our Karate Confidence Summer Camp.
http://usa-martialarts.com/