Every new school year seems to bring back the same challenge — school bullying. When children’s overflowing energy is misdirected, it often manifests as harassment or intimidation, and unfortunately, it’s a topic that resurfaces year after year.

Recently, after one of our classes, a parent approached me. She told me that two children at school had been bothering her son — one of our dojang students. Yet the boy showed no signs of being timid or distressed, and even his mother didn’t seem overly alarmed.

This student, now a high brown belt, has grown remarkably strong. In sparring and grappling sessions he can hold his own even against older students. His gentle face and quiet demeanor might lead others to underestimate him, but trying to bully him could be a mistake.

According to the student, the two classmates kept pushing him, so he pushed back with full force. I suspect they were shocked by his strength.

I reminded him that retaliating with violence in the same way is not acceptable. However, if the situation escalates, I encouraged him to use the self-defense and control techniques he’s learned in class — methods designed to neutralize without causing harm.

Watching bullying cases recur every year feels like confronting a problem with no easy solution. Yet I believe that when a child confidently asserts themselves and communicates clear boundaries — verbally or through their presence — bullies think twice. In some cases, even wearing a higher belt to school can serve as a subtle signal of confidence and discipline.

There’s a saying: “There are no bad children, only bad parenting.” In my view, about 90% of these issues stem from home education. Still, I also understand how today’s busy lifestyle makes it hard for parents to oversee everything.

Ultimately, children who build confidence, develop a healthy body and mind, and bring a bright, determined attitude to school are far less likely to become targets. Empowering them in this way is our best defense against bullying.