Standing up for yourself is an essential tool in life. Hopefully, it never entails violence, but if it’s self-defense, so be it. I believe the only way to reduce this bullying plague, is by giving kids the tools to feel secure with themselves and by helping parents teach lessons of empathy and empowerment. Parents must also use common sense when allowing their children to troll the Internet and engage in social media. You cannot legislate that.
I agree with Rener Gracie, a Jiu Jitsu instructor who teaches kids how to fend off bullies, who once told CNN, “We teach kids to fight fire with water. The more a child learns how to defend him or herself the more confident they become and the more confident they become the less likely they are to ever be targeted by a bully.”
