Nearly one in three students in the U.S. report being bullied during the school year. Approximately 20 percent of high schoolers report being bullied during the school year, while nearly 15 percent report being bullied online (cyber-bullying). What’s more eye opening is that only about 36 percent of children who are bullied actually report it.

The effects of bullying can be devastating. Reports have shown that students who are bullied have an increased risk of depression, anxiety, difficulty sleeping and poor performance in school. These children are also more likely to experience negative health effects such as headaches and stomach problems.

In recent years, bullying and cyber bullying have gained the attention of lawmakers, educators, parents, medical professionals and the media. Schools are putting bullying prevention education and practices in place. Students are being taught to be more than a bystander, but to step in and help those who are being bullied and those who are experiencing bullying are being encouraged to speak up whether a witness, target or bully.

By teaching children martial arts, they learn self-defense and gain the confidence needed to stand up to a bully. They are also taught they have a resource to talk to about their situation.

Through martial arts, both children and adults learn steps to get out of a bullying situation.

1. Get away from the situation. If bullying is occurring online, turn off the computer and walk away.
2. Get help. If someone has threatened you, report it to someone. This may be a parent, school authority, human resources, or manager at work. Many schools have anonymous hotlines available to students.
3. Learn to deal with the fallout. Be tough and resistant to bullies. Just because you have successfully resisted a threat once doesn’t mean the bully won’t return to threaten you or someone else again. Don’t be worn down by their repetitiveness.