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School violence has always been an enormous problem and there are no easy solutions to combat this dilemma. The fact of the matter is one solution may work with one child and be detrimental to another. Every child has different emotional needs and dreams. That's why this problem is so massive and needs everyone in our community to help curve this negative behavioural problem.

Parents are the first lines of defence. Ensure that you are actively finding your children positive activities to do and make sure the organization is a positive source and role model for your child.

Make a huge effort to drop your child off at the chosen activity and stick around to find out if this is indeed the right place forthem. Parents, make sure you are communicating with your child to find out what is happening in their lives.

Are there any problems that they are hiding from you? They say the toughest job you will ever do is parenting; this is a never ending road.

How can martial arts training help parents in curbing school violence?

Martial art programmes teach children to be more disciplined and focused. These two attributes alone will assist parents to shape their children to be more goals oriented.

The martial art classes also teach students to avoid violence and further more how to identify it before it is too late. Bullying is a huge problem in schools and martial arts provide the willpower to teach children to be more confident and to look a potential bully in the eye and identify their traits and avoid them. Confidence is a huge trait our children need to have in order to avoid peer pressure and to tell their friends no when it will involve a violent act or bullying. In addition, martial arts also teach self pride. If our children are proud of themselves they will not need to depend on someone else to make them feel good about themselves. In other words, they don't need to prove who they are to anyone. Being different is good and acceptable.

All of these life skills are important to learn and will form our children to become more productive citizens of Bermuda and turn away from violent, criminal behaviour.

Also, let us not forget respect for others. It is very important that our children learn respect for their parents, grandparents, teachers, friends and themselves. Martial arts are a perfect parenting partner to help raise awesome children who ultimately will be our future leaders.

Combating violence is a community issue and we need everyone in the community to help eliminate this problem. Do not leave this issue to the government to rectify; we are all in this together. Get behind your youth leaders and give them 100 per cent support.

Remember, they are helping to raise your child to be the best that they can be. Every child should be involved in a martial art programme that develops children and teaches them priceless life skills.

Get your children to put down the video games and get involved in great child development programmes and you will witness your child transform before your eyes.

Sensei Shawn Harvey 1st degree black belt and founder of the Bermuda Small Circle Jujitsu Academy. Please send comments to [email protected][[In-content Ad]]

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