When our son (now 34 )was growing up, I told him he better not throw the first punch but, if someone else did, I would back him all the way up to the Supreme Court if he defended himself. Not only did he not get bullied, he became “My Bodyguard” to the kids who did. Our daughter now informs me that our son would end up in juvie court today. There is such wailing and gnashing of teeth today because things happen and the other kids don’t raise a hand. People say “how can kids today have no empathy?” If they value their freedom, they can’t defend themselves OR another student. What a world!
Unfortunately, I spent 10 years being bullied because I tried to follow my parents’ non-violent instruction.
Finally lost it in 10th grade and took the guy on. Unsuccessfully, as it turned out. This was apparently the dawn of “zero tolerance,” and the brilliant principal suspended both of us for 3 days.
But nobody bother me for the next three years.
Apparently you just have to be willing to fight. You don’t even have to win that fight.
Taught my own kids what you taught yours. Any bullying was short term for them.