Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Hire Bullying Specialist John Nottingham as Your Next Speaker




BIOGRAPHY

 
Awesome Speaking, Seminars, Training and Entertaining Shows & Demonstrations!
Master John Nottingham Seminars:
Public and Private Speaking Presentations
You may recognize him as the safety expert featured on TV following 9-11, or from his other appearances for Personal Security and Self Defense, Stranger Safety, Bully-proofing or humanitarian efforts.
Master Nottingham is the author of several books on his system, a public speaker and has appeared in publications and broadcasts, including, The Arizona Republic, Phoenix Gazette and Channels 3, 10 and 12 News. Nationally and internationally he has appeared on ESPN2, on news broadcasts in Korea, China and made some modest appearances in commercials and movies.
He has demonstrated and taught for such companies as McDonalds Corporation, Inland Realty and Fiesta Mall, and has conducted seminars for numerous public schools, various groups, military and corporations.
"John, You will be the best Master in the Taekwondo world."
-Grandmaster Y.K. Kim, Senior editor of Taekwondo Times
As an Eagle Scout, former Airborne Soldier in a Military Intelligence Special Forces support detachment, personal trainer, trained bodyguard, entrepreneur, and "Hall of Fame" inducted Master Instructor he has a diverse background from which to draw. Each presentation is tailored to the needs of the audience and event.
Discover the secrets to gaining the edge in your life from an authentic Master of the martial arts and a leading safety expert.
One of the most passionate and dynamic teachers of his time, John Nottingham has positively impacted the lives of an thousands of men, women and children of all ages.
For over 20 years, his teachings have incorporated success-related concepts, and his materials have provided thousands of individuals, teams and companies with valuable personal development tools.

"Master Nottingham is a gifted and passionate
communicator with effective strategies and very
unique presentations that captivate audiences."
He has been trained by some of the leading experts, Masters and Grandmasters in the world. His research has taken across the country and as far as Asia to gain greater insight on martial arts, and peak performance.

"...he really cares and it shows."
"...electric!"
"I've heard lots of people speak from Anthony Robbins, Zig Ziglar and some of the very best and honestly, he is right at the top."
Booking
Contact John at 602-896-8721 for more information
  • Personal Security Self Defense 
  • Advanced Threat Assessment - Stalking Prevention
  • Bullying Prevention | Anti-Bullying
  • The ABC's of Conflict Avoidance 
  • Workplace Violence | School Violence
  • Breakthrough - Conquering Fear
  • Verbal Judo Tactical Communication
  • School Assemblies
  • Corporate meetings and functions
  • Community Events

Saturday, April 14, 2012

Bully Movie Review and Commentary from a Bullying Prevention Specialist Part 1


Bully Movie Review and Commentary from a Bullying Prevention Specialist   
Part 1 of 2  
Is Bully The Anti-Bullying Movie Every Teen, Parent and School Teacher Should See?
Last night, April 13th 2012, I went to see the much anticipated ANTI-BULLYING documentary movie "BULLY" by award-winning director Lee Hirsch. You may recognize BULLY from the media coverage of the controversy between the MPAA and the Weinstein company over the film's R rating. After some slight editing of some expletives, the rating was eventually changed to PG-13.

BULLY Movie Documentary
I have had numerous requests for my views on the movie since the initial trailer was released. While I was tempted to write the review last night, I opted instead to give it more time to contemplate my blog post. Perhaps you will understand the reason for the delay as you read on.

A Brief Synopsis of Bully
For roughly a year, the documentary filmmaker and director Lee Hirsch follows the lives of five families with children who are experiencing bullying or had experienced bullying. It is an inside look at the gritty world of today's kids in small town America.

Bully's Main Character is a Socially Awkward 12-Year-Old Boy
The subjects of the film include a Sioux City Iowa 12-year-old boy named Alex, an awkward tween who has difficulty making friends and fitting in with his peers. The audience gets a glimpse inside of Alex grueling experience just taking the bus to school each day. Kids are seen hitting, choking, pencil poking, and knocking his head into the back of the bus seat.

 Based on what I saw, this is done in a manner clearly meant to dominate and hurt, but not severely injure (despite how other more sensational accounts have described it). To me it is clearly inter-male social dominance behavior - and Alex has no clue on how to put it into proper context, nor clearly define personal boundaries. It was difficult to watch for many in the audience who were visibly uncomfortable as the images permeated their sheltered reality.

Out and Ostricised Kelby - "Love Thy Neighbor"
Tuttle Oklahama 16-year-old Kelby's story depicts a lesbian girl suffering from ostracism and intolerance from people she has known her whole life.  BULLY shows her courageously attempting to change the social climate and attitudes toward her and the supportive role her family plays in her difficult situation.  Ultimately, her family decides to remove her from this school in order to help their daughter.

A Girl Pulls a Gun on a School Bus
Bully also shows the plight of a 14-year-old girl who brandished a gun on a school bus after claiming she had been relentlessly bullied. Actual video footage was used from the incident where the girl, clearly emulating gangster-like violence, points the gun sideways in the air and barks orders. I heard two different whispered comments from Scottsdale moviegoers as they recognized that a "14 year old girl had a tattoo on her arm". I found that interesting.

Lack of Alternatives - The Peace Education Conflict Avoidance Vacuum
What I know about teaching peace education and self defense is that when you deny children appropriate force options and coping mechanisms some will resort to whatever means they can to regain some sense of control. If you are sincerely interested in the subject I would recommend reading a book by one of my mentors called Stop Teaching Our Kids To Kill by Lt. Col. Dave Grossman. (No violent video games before age 8 - research clearly shows that it changes brain chemistry.) "Garbage in - garbage out" my Mom always used to say.

Heart-Wrenching Themes May Be Intense for Young Viewers
The movie also takes on two tragic accounts of families dealing with their child's suicide and implies a direct link to bullying (more on that later). Hirsch reveals the gut-wrenching story of Murray County Georgia parents Tina and David Long who lost their son to suicide. The 17 year old was told by kids at school that he should go home and hang himself - and he did. Mother Tina takes viewers on a tour of the room and closet where the tragic event took place and explains how the room now serves as headquarters for a campaign to keep Tyler's memory alive and bring attention to the issue of bullying.

The other story reveals the grief and devastation of a child's suicide and the vacuous wake left in these parent's lives. Their pain is captured in such an utterly raw manner, the audience is easily drawn into the film and their tragic story. The message I got from it had more to do with the tragedy of teen suicide rather than a causal relationship to bullying.
 
The connection was not clearly made to my way satisfaction and I would advise caution in making such judgments. I'll come back to this later to discuss my concern with this portrayal and its link to child safety. For now, I'll defer to psychologists on this one as I that is not my area of expertise, nor have I seen the research to make such connection. I just hope that the film maker is not exploiting these parents in their time of greatest grief.

My heart and prayers go out to the family in this time of unimaginable grief and loss.

Join USA Martial Arts Phoenix & The Phoenix BullyProof Project
 and Take a Stand Against Bullying Stand4Change.org

Poignant Example of Denial and Covering Incompetence?
Based on Hirsch's editing, the administration, in particular the assistant principal of Alex's middle school, comes off as particularly inept and more interested in defending the staff's position and choices of action. As with most independent film documentaries, one must take this with a grain of salt. However, those who have suffered bullying may be able to identify as I did with this pathetic cover-your-butt approach found in failed leadership.
One of the good things that independent films like this can do is to prompt and provoke. Hopefully it can lead to discussions and the need for putting things into context, the importance of accountability, empathy and compassion.

Personal Stories Tug at Heart Strings
BULLY reveals the feelings of helplessness and powerlessness from those who lack fundamental safety skills and appropriate answers. Those in my field know that this goes on all the time because we see the children and parents who have fallen through the cracks.  For others, this may just be the right kind of timely wake-up call to spark some positive action.

Should I Take My Child To See Bully?
I would advise parents seeing this movie first to know if it is right for their child. In my view, it would depend on the child's personality, maturity and how they handle themes of suicide, aggressive behavior, crass language, threats and so on. It would also depend on the parent's ability to put it into context so they do not overly generalize and can extract relevant themes or lessons.

Is Bully OK for Younger Children?
For younger children, you might wait until they are a bit older and choose to rent it and have a family discussion.
I think a parent needs to clearly define the goal of watching such a film and have a meaningful discussion before and after viewing it, should they decide it is right for their child. For some kids, it may be a wake-up call and a catalyst for healthy discussion - especially those in middle school and high school. BULLY could be used as a tool to encourage empathy and a hero culture.

Open Communication at Home is Better Bullying Prevention
It is important that children feel safe to share experiences, have their own views without judgement or overreaction from parents. From the feedback I get directly from children, they say one of the biggest reasons they don't tell their parents things is that Mom and Dad over react.  Kids sometimes feel that the parents will make it worse.  Keep in mind that trust is built over time.  A calm approach with a heart to listen without trying to immediately advise is the key to communication and a trusted relationship with your child.  Seeking first to understand, empathize and walk in your child's shoes so to speak can go a long way in opening doors to talking about difficult subjects.

Part 2 
 
Taking The Perspective of a Bullying Prevention Specialist and Professional Protector
For the remainder of the BULLY movie article I wanted to take on the review more from the perspective of a professional protector and bullying specialist. My hope is to offer some thought provoking points to consider, and some opinions rather than just a simple film review...
___________________________
Want to BullyProof Your Child?
Bring Them To BullyProof Vest Academy
Email: BullyProofVestAZ@gmail.com
___________________________

Sunday, April 1, 2012

Bullied Boy Transforms From Victim to Victor

Arizona Bullying Prevention Initiative
The Phoenix Bullying Prevention Project
Zachary Jameson felt "tortured" from his bullying experience.  Although he attended a private school and his father is a Police Officer, this tween felt the world caving in on him.

Diagnosed with Juevenile Arthritis, kids at his Atlanta school made fun of his legs.  Initially his parents were dismissive of the teasing thinking it was only kids trying to be funny.  It wasn't funny to Zach because he was contemplating suicide.

However this story has a different ending than many we've been seeing in the news.  Zach had the courage to tell his parents what he was feeling, resulting in a chain of events that would change his life for the better.

We at BullyProofing Phoenix believe that Zach's story stands as an example of hope and inspiration to parents, teachers, schools and children.

While the politically motivated "anti-bully" movement marches on in failure with the divisive, punitive approach and demonize children as bullies, other bullying prevention methods continue to prove successful.

Note the elements of a successful intervention, an example of my 3 Shields Strategy, in which the child targeted with bullying gets therapy, the bullying child is addressed and the social environment is transformed.   For long term success, the mind, body and spirit must be addressed.  Amid the noise of sensationalized media headlines, tragic alarmism, BPII/PBPP aim to bring you hope, truth, and clarity to help resolve the causes of bullying.
God bless you Zach and thank you for having the courage to accept help, tell your parents, and not give up.  You may be targeted with bullying but you do not have to be a permanent victim of it.  We would encourage you to study martial arts and build confidence, inner strength and additional skills to feel empowered to handle the challenges of the future.  You're worth fighting for and we know your story can inspire hope in others suffering in silence.

If you are being bullied like Zach was and need help, we want to help.  Visit us on facebook or email us at info@usa-martialarts.com and we'll provide you with bodyguard tools to keep you safe and give you peace of mind.

Transforming Hearts and Minds With Peace Education
Empathy | Kindness | Compassion | Inner-Strength | Dignity 




Community Partners in Peace Education


Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Bullied? I'll Help You End Bullying By Using Bodyguard Techniques.



Bodyguard Help For Bullied Kids and Teens 
Bullies, Bullying and The Bullied
A bodyguard, law enforcement and military trainer and shares practical advice and solutions to end bullying.  Free scholarships to bullying prevention workshops and Bullying Specialist centers.


Being the target of bullying sucks.  I know.  I put up with it for years and will never forget the pain, frustration, confusion, and feeling of being trapped.  It got to the point that I hated going to school or anywhere that would put me back in that horrible position of being bullied.

Bullied?      I'll Teach You How To Fight Bullying The Smart Way
I feel for you.  What if there were a way to make it stop and feel good about yourself again?  What if I could show you how to change how people see you and treat you?  I can.  I'll show you the same steps I took to end bullying in my life.  I've done it for thousands of other kids, teens and even adults.

The Bullying Can End 
It works and I'll show you how.  The only thing that I ask is that you promise to play full out and give 100% to this process.  That means you aren't going to hurt yourself or seek revenge on those who are being mean to you.  You can't bail out when it gets a little rough or scary.  There are no guarantees that this will work perfectly but I've helped thousands of others just like you and haven't failed yet (Thank God.).  I'm going to be your partner, your friend and adviser bodyguard. (Since I can't be there to personally protect you, you'll have to be a good student and be ready to use your mind and do some training.  Don't worry, its not impossible, you can do it and maybe even have fun in the process.)

This Bullying Prevention Method Works
It will work and the steps are simple, but it wont be easy.  If someone tells you that it will be easy, they are lying to you.  Those are probably the same people who told you they would help and haven't.  What I will say is that it is easier than getting picked on everyday.  It is easier than feeling like crap inside and sick to your stomach from fear and anxiety.  You can do this and I'll help.

Your first step is to contact me at info@usa-martialarts.com and read up a bit on me to know who is your new friend and in your corner http://JohnNottingham.com.  I am going to be your friend and guide. You'll work with me directly - anonymously if you must.  You just have to be honest so that I can help you.  I'll need to know your situation and what is going on.
Tell me:

  • What is going on and a bit about yourself (age range and a nick name you want me to call you is fine - don't give detailed personal information to anyone online.)
  • How long has it been going on?
  • What you've tried to do to stop the bullying?
  • Who is picking on you?
  • Why you think they are bullying you?
  • Whom you have told and asked for help?
  • Your written promise not to harm yourself or seek revenge on those bullying you (I only train good people who need help.) Example: "I promise not to harm myself or seek revenge on those bullying me.  I will follow the steps and do the practice. Signed, your new friend: Joshua"


Free Bullying Help  
Right away I'll send you a guide, an audio interview and some links to get immediate access to bullying prevention tips that work.  These won't be things your teacher will tell you.  These are based on the same techniques and strategies I teach bodyguards, law enforcement and military to use to save lives.  I have thousands of students who have used this techniques over the last 26 years and you can too!  I'm confident that I can help you but I need make sure so email me your situation (You can even create an alias and separate email account to protect your identity and keep things confidential.) .  I look forward to helping you.  I'll be your BullyProof coach and help you earn a BullyProof Vest.  Take heart and have hope.  You are far more powerful and valuable than you can imagine.

With respect and optimism,

John Nottingham
Bullying Prevention Initiative International | Arizona Phoenix Bullying Prevention Project
USA Martial Arts & Kickboxing
Nottingham Sword & Shield Security Bodyguards
info@usa-martialarts.com

PS Even if you're not in Arizona, I will still help you.  I have friends and resources all over the US, Canada and even Korea and China.  I'll find a way to help if I can.  There is hope and you're worth fighting for.



Practical Bully Prevention and Victim Proof Training


“How To Make Sure Your Child Doesn't Get Bullied, Harassed, Teased or Picked On.”

March 13, 2011

How To Protect Yourself From Bullying – Unconventional Bullying Advice



Former Soldier, Bodyguard Trainer and Martial Arts Master Shares His 5 Step Program That Will Boost Your Child’s Confidence, Instill Inner-Strength, a Positive Attitude & Arm Them the Practical Tools to Protect Themselves from Bullying, Harassment and Teasing

Dear Arizona Parent:

Did You Know:

• Bullying is the #1 cause of school children’s absenteeism in the U.S.A.
• Bullying has been linked to higher rates of teen depression and suicide.
• Rigby (2002), who is a respected researcher on the topic of bullying, nationally and internationally, states:
• “Bullying involves a desire to hurt + hurtful action + a power imbalance + (typically) repetition + an unjust use of power + evident enjoyment by the aggressor and generally a sense of being oppressed on the part of the victim.” (p 51)
• Every day, 160,000 students skip school because they fear being bullied, according to the PACER Center, a parent training and information center for families of children. According to the National Association of School Psychologists,
• 1 in 7 schoolchildren is a bully or victim
• Bullying affects 5 million school children in U.S.
You may be thinking to yourself, “Do I know the techniques, tools and strategies to help my child confront today’s bullying dangers?
Don’t worry – there IS a solution – but before I get to it, let me tell you a story about a boy who was the target of a bully and how it changed his life forever…

SKINNY, UN-ATHLETIC ASTHMATIC
KID TORMENTED BY A BULLY

• His father told him to punch the bully right in the nose to “teach him a lesson”.
• His mother told him to just walk away.
• His teachers never knew about it because the bullying took place out of their sight, and often off school grounds, on the way to or from school.
He didn’t want to tell on the bullying kid because he would feel weak, like a sissy, only inviting more trouble.
He was afraid of getting in trouble for fighting, calling attention to his problem. But far more than that was the pain of keeping the secret. The secret was that he was scared, frustrated and felt trapped. That anger turned inward turned into feeling depressed as the bullying kept up over time.
But that all changed. He found a way:
• To stand tall, walk proud and keep his dignity
• Stand up to the bully
• To defeat a bully without fighting
In fact, he earned the respect of the bully and his classmates
Most importantly, he felt better about himself
Plus he used the lesson many more times in the future

BY STANDING UP TO THE BULLYING, HE WON SELF-RESPECT AND HIS NEW POWER HELPED HIM HELP OTHERS

Yes, as you probably guessed, that boy was me. Today I use those experiences to relate to other kids facing bullying in their lives. You see, I’ve helped thousands of children find their inner strength, their voice and successfully learn how to deal with bullying, conflicts and the most dangerous situations.

My name is John Nottingham and I am a 6th Degree Black Belt in the Martial Arts. I’ve trained in China, Korea and all over the world with some of the best of the best. I was in the Army Airborne and taught some of the roughest, toughest heroes in the world hand-to-hand, hand-to-weapon military combatives while serving in a Special Forces reserve unit.

Today I own a Executive Bodyguard Security and Training Company, and an award winning Martial Arts school. Over the past twenty five plus years, I have helped thousands of people from all walks of life discover their inner strength and stand up for themselves in every aspect of their lives.

From children who were getting tormented school to women feeling trapped in unhealthy relationships; from employees being mistreated by their bosses to Police and Security who have to use their skills daily on the streets. Not standing up for yourself from bullying can be just like a toxin that attacks your self concept and destroys dreams, hope and goals from the inside out.

THERE IS HOPE! I CAN HELP
I’ve developed a 5 step program to help you:
1. Build your child’s self esteem
2. Learn to handle unfair aggression
3. Flip the balance of power
4. Learn what to say and do and when to do it
5. Know how to spot a “bullying set up” well in advance so you can avoid it

VICTIM AND BULLY PROOFING
This unique method is not one of those ineffective “Ivory Tower” programs you’ll see from educational institutions. The schools that have had us there see the results because it works. Our Bullying Prevention Program isn’t theory or idealistic wishes. We give you hard-hitting tools, some of them the same strategies we teach to bodyguards who protect VIPs and celebrities! We’ll we think you are a VIP and are worth protecting.

To cut through the bullying dilema The Arizona Bullying Intervention Initiative – AZ Children’s Bully Prevention Project is working with Nottingham Sword and Shield Security and USA Martial Arts Phoenix to offer a series of bullying solutions – Victim-Bully Proof Workshops. Free Bully Prevention “5 Step How to Handle a Bully Without Fighting” training is being sponsored FREE to all Arizona Children.
What: How to Handle a Bully Without Fighting
When: 5-6pm Wednesdays during the month of March
Where: at USA Martial Arts Phoenix Tatum/Greenway Albertsons center
How much: Fully sponsored by Nottingham Sword & Shield Security, ScottsdaleBodyguard.com, KidsLoveMartialArtsPhoenix.com and USA Martial Arts Phoenix
How: Contact info@usa-martialarts.com or call (602) 896-8721 to register. Limited space available.



BULLY PROOF VEST by John Nottingham, USA Martial Arts, The Arizona Bullying Prevention Project.
The only bullying prevention program designed by protection professionals.

The Arizona Bullying Intervention Initiative | AZ Bully Prevention Projecthttp://bullyproofingarizona.blogspot.com/
4731 e. Greenway road suite 9 phoenix, arizona 85032
Telephone (602) 896-8721
USA Martial Arts Phoenix
Nottingham Sword & Shield Security Bodyguards

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Not Anti-Bully - BullyProof ! The Bullying Prevention Program for the Underdog


Bullying Prevention for The Underdog Kid
Humble, lovable shoeshine boy was actually UNDERDOG. If your child is a kindhearted kid who follows the rules and has a sensitive disposition, then school, camp and life can be a rough place. The definition of underdog usually describes a participant in a fight, conflict, or game who is not expected to win.  If your child feels like this when facing aggressive behavior, bullying, insults, teasing or getting picked on then this is your answer.

"Teaching Kids How to NOT Be a Victim!"


Does Your Child Sometimes Feel Like a Bullied Underdog?
The good news is that a new program gives nice kids the tools to stand up to bullying the smart way - without fighting or getting into trouble. The Arizona Bullying Intervention Initiative - The Phoenix Bullying Prevention Project helps BULLYPROOF nice kids and prepare them for those unpleasant encounters with bullying.

This program teaches children how to:
  • Stand tall and not be afraid
  • Know what to do with bullying
  • Know when to take action against bullying
  • Know how to deal with bullying, rudeness, harassment and torment
  • Earn the respect of peers
  • Win friends and change other people's perceptions
  • Live fearlessly with peace of mind
If these are skills you want your child to have then you need to contact John Nottingham at the The Arizona Bullying Intervention Initiative - The Phoenix Bullying Prevention Project without delay.

Bullying Specialist John Nottingham has brought together his best resources from his Bodyguard Security company and USA Martial Arts schools to offer free bullying prevention training to children free of charge.

What you will get:
  1. A free Bullying Prevention Training Course - How To Defeat Bullying The Smart Way
  2. A free How To Deal With Bullying Guide and Parent's Guide to Bullies, Bullying and Bad Behavior
  3. A free Audio BullyBusters Interview answering tough questions on Bullying

Contact info@usa-martialarts.com to register without delay.

Sponsors:
http://KidsLoveMartialArtsPhoenix.com Kids Martial Arts Webspecial

Sunday, March 18, 2012

Bust a Bully - Use The 5 F's To Make Yourself Bully Proof

Bully Busters Anti-Bully
 Radio Interview http://Phoenix-MartialArts.com/blog


The 5 F's For Teens Fighting Back Against Bullying_____________
Five Techniques for How To Handle Bullying 
by John Nottingham, founder Arizona Bullying Prevention Initiative -The Phoenix BullyProof Project | USAMartial Arts Phoenix 

Here are some fundamental skills and strategies for the initial stages of handling bullying or aggressively rude behavior.  How you handle the little things can sometimes go a long way in derailing future abuse and bullying targeting.

1. Friend
One of the most powerful ways to handle bullying is to master the art of making friends. Treat others the way you want to be treated, even when they may not be so nice.  The old saying goes, "Keep your friends close and your enemies closer."  This can be a great way to resolve issues with aggression in the early stages.  Of course, if it has gone beyond this level, you may have to resort to other options but making friends is a very powerful skill to thwart bullying.

Verbal Judo Comeback Line: "Whoah, stop. If a teacher hears you talking like that you'll be in a lot of trouble and I don't want to see that. So let's just be friends and chill." (Adapt to age appropriate vernacular and language you are comfortable with.)   
STOP BULLYING TIP:  Remember: it's not just what you say, it's how you say it so body language, tone and delivery are critical to making it work.  Stand tall, square shoulders, maintain direct eye contact, raise chin slightly and end with a smile.  Speak with a calm, confident tone as if you are a compassionate, powerful leader.
Be a friend and speak up for others as well.  Win more friends and they might also speak up for you when needed.  The person with the most friends usually wins.  Seek common ground and learn to respect differences and others right to his or her own opinion.

To fight fire, be water.  That doesn't mean it is your fault or that you are weaker. It means that peace in the long term is more important to you than winning a short term battle.  Kindness kills cruelty and bullying sometimes and should be a first line of defense.  Look for ways to earn respect, show your strengths and be helpful and understanding of others needs and goals.  At the same time, remember that nobody has the right to injure you.  Kindness does not mean weakness - instead it is a strength found in leaders and difference makers.  

2. Forget
Forget about reacting emotionally to bullying taunts or tests.  Most bullying behavior is just testing different people to see who reacts.  Be quick to forget insults, comments, flaws and issues.  Think of it as a trap and you don't have to take the bait.

If you can learn to forgive people and have empathy for them, it can go a long way in helping you think more clearly about your responses and the kind of person you want to be.  By not reacting emotionally to a situation, you can plan and even practice your responses to handle things better.  By starving the person of a reaction, you can very often stop ongoing bullying behavior.

Be quick to forget other people's rudeness and even cruel remarks.  Think of it as a gift that you do not have to receive.  "Thanks for the thought, but no thanks - I won't accept."  Everyone is entitled to his or her opinion, even you. The most important opinion you have is the one about yourself.  


Forget about revenge because that usually makes things worse.  Instead be so busy working on improving yourself that you don't have time to worry about the other stuff as much.  
Forget feeling alone, helpless or forever stuck... that's a lie that will only hurt you.  Instead reach out for help and keep asking until you get it. You are worth it.

3. Forgive 
Have empathy for the other person and understand that we all make mistakes and do things we wish we hadn't.  If you can be quick to forgive and show kindness, it can go a long way in showing your inner strength and earning respect.  They may not like you, but when you can be a rock in a storm, it earns the respect of others.
Remember also that forgiveness is a gift you give yourself that facilitates healing and releases you from being stuck in the pain.  With forgiveness, you can begin to move forward intelligently.  It can really help to talk to a counselor or trusted advisory to do this work.  
Also remember that to forgive is not to forget.  Take the lessons you learned from the situation and apply it for future use. 

4. Funny
Humor is one of your most powerful allies.  A clever comeback line can win over a crowd, distract someone bullying and even help you make friends.  It is a power that most people admire and want to have.  Humor has the power to heal and help awkward situations.  Humor is a great tool that you can use by practicing bullying comeback lines.  Just make sure that the humor is not at the expense of the other person or you could make things worse.  The goal with using humor to combat bullying is to make it better.
Remember also to take your safety seriously but never yourself too seriously.  Learn to laugh at yourself a bit and celebrate what makes us all human in our shared experiences.  Showing you can laugh at yourself is also a sign of strength that others admire. It does not have to be at the expense of your dignity and can be quite disarming to bullying behavior.
Being funny is also a deflector that shifts bullying energy away from you and can buy you time to get help or get to safety.

5.  Frame
One of my favorite sayings is,"You may not be able to change the wind but you can adjust your sails."  Sometimes bad things happen.  When they do we are faced with a choice to let that define us in a negative way or turn it into something powerful and positive.  Be willing to get and accept the help you need to re-frame your experiences into lessons you can use. Maybe you can focus on what you are grateful for and how you can help others with what you learned.  Good things can come from bad situations if we choose to make it so.  
Anthony Robbins puts it this way, "“Fairness is an illusion. ... , “Some people are buried in an avalanche and others ski."  You give meaning to your life experiences through the stories that you tell yourself.   That doesn't make it all your fault or mean that you are alone, just the opposite, it is just one way to let you know you don't have to stay a victim of circumstances and you are worth fighting for.  It can get better and if you look hard enough, you'll find plenty of people willing to help you.

Sometimes middle school aged children and even grade school children can learn how to use some of these tools with the guidance of a caring counselor, parent, coach or mentor.  However, these concepts take a bit more maturity to grasp and implement so it depends on the individual and his or her development.

Visit Bullying Prevention Initiative International - Bullying Prevention World
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For more help, ideas, strategies and techniques of bullying prevention join us online for free resources, research and discussion.

Arizona Bullying Prevention Initiative The Phoenix Bully Proof Project FACEBOOK
Bully Proof Arizona BLOG
Bullying Prevention Initiative International FACEBOOK
Bullying Prevention World BLOG
For a free radio interview with Bully Busting tips click here

BullyProof camps, workshops and guides - email BullyProofVestAZ@gmail.com for info.

Sponsored in part by:
Nottingham Sword & Shield Bodyguards
JohnNottingham.com