Bullying
MAD is very passionate about both a child's and adults right to feel secure. Bullying os a confidence destroyer making it dangerous to a child's well-being. At MAD we we train to show children that there is nothing they cannot do - or at the very least to give it their best go.
We encourage children to verbalise their feelings and to display strong opinions if they feel bullied. The balance is to achieve confidence and a healthy attitude to other's feelings and opinions.
Bullying is not normally about the the [physical act of intimidation, but as a result of the insecurity of the perceived bully.
A selection process is evident in most if not all bullies.
Small insignificant acts are analyzed and collected by the 'bully' looking for a compliant nature. Once analyzed, the increase in torment starts.
We cannot resort to physical defence for all attempts to bully (even small, seemingly innocent verbal attacks), but what does a bully need?
...a compliant victim...
In our need to simplify complex situations, we create rules where children that are loved, attended to and accepted are encouraged to comply, shy away and most worryingly -take the comments on the chin. We openly discourage all forms of bullying, and hope that our MAD parents also feel free to speak to one of our instructors if one of our students is trying to gain attention, or bully someone less confident. It is a circle - that is why we have our levels of rights as follows...
1: RESPECT - given and received
2: RESPONSIBILITY - shows acceptance of self
3: RIGHTS - to feel safe, secure and happy with yourself and NOT at the expense of others
There is no perfect answer - we cannot change everybody's situation.This includes children that are unlikely to receive positive feedback, and as such will demand attention. any is better than none!
Rational rules are unlikely to persuade irrational people. Our best defence is positive actions at all times and M.A.D hopes to give the tools for people to make their own decisions without fear of acceptance from their peers.
Like minded people find each other