It’s not uncommon for teens to get into fights. Especially as they are yet to master the principle of understanding their emotions, naming them properly, and channeling them into non-destructive pursuits.
If you are concerned about the possibility of being in a fight, have been in a fight, or have seen a fight at school, you have many options for dealing with these unfortunate circumstances.
How to Defend Yourself
The main goal of self-defense, according to Kidshealth.org, is to do all you can to avoid getting into a physical fight with someone who has threatened or attacked you. Experts agree taking steps to protect yourself before a fight breaks out is the best way you can defend yourself from threats of violence.
Be Proactive
School fights can happen to anyone at anytime. Whether you are at school, the mall, on the street, the best defense is being prepared before a fight occurs. There are several steps you can take to keep yourself safe.
- Use common sense and listen to your intuition. If you hear rumours that someone is going to attack you after school, use common sense and find a way to avoid being alone at that time. If you are walking down the hallway and have a feeling something bad is about to happen, listen to your intuition. Find another route or a teacher to chat with.
- Talk to a trusted adult. If you know someone has a problem with you and you think the person might turn violent, you should talk to a trusted adult about how to prevent further problems. Be persistent and specific about the problems, even if the first adult you speak to is not helpful.
- Be aware of your surroundings. If you think someone may want to start a fight with you, it would be smart to avoid isolated areas. Always let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return.
- Use the self-defense method of target denial. If you see the person who has threatened you, make a quick turn to avoid him. If the aggressor can’t reach you, he can’t fight you.
- Try de-escalation tactics. If someone approaches you in a threatening way, remain calm and use confident body language to prevent the situation from getting worse. If someone is teasing you, you may be able to de-escalate the situation by agreeing with him and directing his attention to something else like a teacher walking down the hallway.
This article first appeared on teens.lovetoknow.com
