Thread: Our Children’s Right to Self-Defense

Our Children’s Right to Self-Defense

Written on March 24, 2011 by George Matheis

Editor’s note: Bullying has been a hot news topic as of late. With all of the focus on the bullying itself, little has been said as to what can and should be done to prepare our children for handling bullies and their bullying. We asked self-defense expert and weapons trainer George Matheis from Modern Combative Systems to give his perspective. His response to this politically-charged subject is what follows.

When we send our children off to school, we have a reasonable expectation that the adults entrusted to teach them will also protect them. Of course, we have all seen the threats by active shooters, but the topic of this article is dealing with bullies.

As a police officer and a parent, it has been my experience that the teachers and administrators know who the bad apples are in their school in much the same way that a police officer knows the criminals on his post. The good kids, like the majority of citizens, start off each day trying to do their best. It is a small percentage of people that prey on them.

Consider the fact that every time you read or hear a story about a violent act, the person committing those acts likely has at least one child. If you are the adult victim of a crime and the criminal is arrested, you will likely be amazed by their criminal record. The same is true if your child is the victim of a bully. The vast majority of the time the incident with your child is just part of an ongoing course of conduct.

Here we are going to focus on physical bullying, ranging from blocking someone’s way, to the threat of, and actual, physical harm. If your child is a victim of bullying, it will likely go something like this: They are in school when the incident takes place. Depending on the incident, a teacher sees it, or is told about it, and the well-known bully is told “not to do it again.â€

your are 100 % right Kathyet
we have Bulling on our street. but you get they by them self . it another strory then don't say one thing
but with friend well mr big shot . i have lol My kids will not stand for that they will stand up to them.
when you come from the city or any other part Of a city or town . they will test you out . so this is for all Of the kids .any age . stand
your ground . dont run & the school will not do one thing about it
good Luck to all of the Kids . stand your ground .they only big shot when they have friends around .
good Luck again kids

My children are grown now but when they were young I told them them they MUST fight back because a bully will not pick on some one who fights back, it is too much work for then, they will go for someone who doesn't it is easier pickings ..But it needs to be done when they are all young. When they are older and still are bullies it takes a village to stop them then...


Kathyet

Originally Posted by kathyet

My children are grown now but when they were young I told them them they MUST fight back because a bully will not pick on some one who fights back, it is too much work for then, they will go for someone who doesn't it is easier pickings ..But it needs to be done when they are all young. When they are older and still are bullies it takes a village to stop them then...


Kathyet

I've taught my kids the "take no prisoners" approach when it comes to bullying. Zero tolerance...confront them in a way that leaves no doubt to the bully or anyone watching. Bullies are cowards by nature. They need to learn that honor and respect are worthwhile virtues.

That's a good parenting.