Beating bullying with boxing
Bullying is a traumatic experience for children and parents. It can have severe consequences for a child's mental and emotional well-being. As a parent, the feeling of helplessness is akin to torture.
The first thing I usually say to a parent of a bullied child is—you are not alone. Unfortunately, bullying is pervasive in schools and beyond. Schools have made commendable efforts to combat bullying. But in some cases—with good intentions—they hamstring a bullied child. Eradicating physical confrontation is good in theory, but sometimes, this is the only viable option left to a tormented child. A physical solution should always be the nuclear option. But preventing a child from defending themselves is wrong. Especially when all other options have failed.
I have heard awful stories from exasperated parents. Sometimes a bullied child is the one taken to task for fighting back. At times, teachers seem reluctant to address the issue head on. I understand and sympathise with them. Times have changed. New rules and social outlooks have left educators in an unenviable position. They are damned if they do, and damned if they don't.
Boxing has always had a reputation as a bullying 'solution'. In the past, this was a more retaliatory option. But boxing can avert the need for violence if trained in the right way.
Boxing training can:
provide an avenue for children to build confidence
instil discipline and resilience
develop attributes in a child that appear as red flags to potential bullies
Confidence and self-esteem
One of the key benefits of boxing for bullied children is a boost in confidence and self-esteem. Many bullied children suffer from a diminished sense of self-worth. They may lack confidence in social situations. Boxing teaches children to believe in themselves, both physically and mentally. As they gain mastery over their bodies, their confidence grows.
Discipline and focus
Boxing demands discipline and focus. Training sessions involve repetitive drills, hard work and attention to detail. Bullied children often struggle with feelings of powerlessness. Boxing provides them with a structured environment. They learn to control their actions, thoughts, and emotions. This newfound discipline carries over into their daily lives. It helps them navigate challenging situations with a greater sense of control.
Resilience
Resilience is a crucial attribute for bullied children. Boxing provides physical and mental challenges. It teaches children to bounce back from setbacks and stay resolute. Tough drills and workouts foster useful adversity. A gym or boxing club can be provide invaluable training for life.
Emotional release
Bullied children need a healthy outlet for their emotions. Boxing is a constructive way to channel frustrations, anger, and stress. Negative coping mechanisms like isolation or aggression can results in a downward spiral. Boxing allows children to release pent-up energy in a controlled, supervised environment.
Teamwork and social skills
Boxing gyms are a hive of group training. This fosters a sense of camaraderie and teamwork. This social aspect of boxing helps bullied children build positive relationships. It also helps them develop communication skills and trust in others. Feeling supported by teammates and coaches can transform a child. This is especially true for children who may feel isolated due to bullying.
I will always advocate that the best place for a child to learn boxing is at a gym with their peers. This is not an option for some children. Some kids aren't ready for group training for many reasons. That's where personal boxing training can work as a bridge.
Giving a child the requisite skills to feel confident to make that jump is worth exploring. So while I am always happy teaching children how to box one to one, I aim to get them to a good club as quickly as possible.
Conclusion
Nobody can ignore boxing's positive impact on children. Responsible training with proper guidance can be a powerful tool. It can empower children to face and overcome the challenges of bullying. And that is only the beginning. Where that empowered child goes next? The sky is the limit.
