This is a continuation of the series on how to conduct yourself in a fight situation. Consider the following scenarios, and the steps you can take.
What to Do in a Fight
Sometimes being proactive isn’t enough to keep a bully from physically attacking you. If you find yourself in a situation where your only option left is to fight back, Kidpower.org offers a few ways to defend yourself.
- Try to get away.
- If you know someone is coming up behind you to attack, turn toward the person with your hands up in front of your body and loudly say “stop” before walking away.
- Look the aggressor in the eye and use a firm voice to yell “stop.” If the person doesn’t stop, yell for help by calling out the name of a teacher whose classroom is nearby.
Physically fighting someone, even in self-defense, should always be a last resort. In some school districts, everyone involved in a fight can be punished, regardless of who started it.
What to Do After a Fight
If you have been physically attacked, the first thing you should do is seek help from an adult like the school nurse. Depending on how bad your injuries are, you may also need to go to the hospital. Once you have received medical attention, there are a few other actions you may want to take.
- Tell your side of the story. Talk to school officials and your parents about what happened from your perspective. People who start fights need help. Abusivekids.com says by reporting the problem you could help others in the future.
- Talk to your parents and school officials about your future safety options.
- If you sustained major injuries during the fight, report to the police or speak to a lawyer.
What to Do if You Started the Fight
Being physically violent towards others is an unacceptable reaction to feelings of anger and emotional pain. Youthoria.org suggests these types of behaviours will likely carry into your adult life, which can land you in prison. If you started a fight with someone and want to change those negative behaviors:
- Be honest and turn yourself in to school authorities.
- Think about why you attacked someone.
- Talk to a trusted adult to get help dealing with your emotions.
- Apologize to the person you fought. They may not want to hear or accept your apology, but it is still important to express remorse.
- Find ways to boost your self-esteem. PBSKids.org suggests starting a new hobby, volunteering somewhere or joining a team.
Starting a fight with someone does not make you a bad person who has to fight all the time. You can choose to be better than your mistakes.
What to Do if You See a Fight
The IF Foundation warns bystanders against jumping in to break up a fight or help a friend. If you get involved in a fight, you become vulnerable to injuries and punishment. There are several things you can do if a fight breaks out at school.
- Find a teacher or any other person in authority.
- Yell loudly to break up the fight by saying STOP! or warn that an adult is coming.
- Stand by the injured person when the fight is over.
While you may want to keep a friend from getting beaten up or avoid being called a tattletale, jumping into a physical fight can cause more problems for you. If you are injured during the fight there may not be anyone else who can get help.
Source: teens.lovetoknow.com
See Also: How To Protect Yourself From Getting Involved in Fights (1)