Bullying and Self Defense in Adolescents
Authors: Mabree Crews, Maura Grace Dickens, Lydia Grimmett, & Cameron Van Horn
Faculty Supervisor: Nicole Masano DNP, RN, CNM, CNE
Community Partner: Grimsley’s Fighting Arts in St. Mary’s, Georgia
Abstract:
We partnered with Grimsley’s Fighting Arts in St. Mary’s, Georgia to educate on bullying, safety, and self defense among adolescents in 6th through 12th grade. Free self defense classes and educational sessions on bullying and safety were provided to the adolescents. Two different educational sessions were held. For 6th through 9th grade, we defined bullying, the different types of bullying, and how to stop bullying from occurring to one self and peers. For 10th through 12th grades, we educated on safety at parties, safety at night, sex trafficking, provided various apps that promote safety, and educated on different personal safety equipment such as pepper spray and safety key chains. Both groups of adolescents were introduced to numerous physical self defense maneuvers by Grimsley’s Fighting Arts instructors. This project increased knowledge of bullying, increased awareness of surrounding environment regarding sex trafficking, and increased overall preparedness for potential harmful situations among adolescents in the St. Mary’s community. The impact of this project was observed through the active engagement and ability of the adolescents to answer pertinent questions regarding the topic. Our evaluation included an increase in knowledge and awareness of bullying and safety among adolescents in the St. Mary’s community. Future implications for this project will be beneficial in other communities by reducing bullying, increasing safety, and promoting self defense among adolescents.
