Mar 13 • 📚 Skills & Resources
What Advice Were You Given About Defending Yourself?
Think back to when you were growing up.
What advice were you given about defending yourself?
For many of us, it came from relatives, friends, or well-meaning adults who wanted to help keep us safe. The interesting thing is that almost everyone seems to have an opinion about personal safety — even if they have no training or experience in the area.
You may have heard things like:
· “If someone attacks you, fight back.”
· “Never back down.”
· “Hit them first.”
· “Stand your ground.”
The intention behind this advice is usually good. People want young people to be strong and not appear vulnerable.
But the reality is that not all advice about defending yourself is good advice.
Some guidance can actually increase the risk of harm by encouraging confrontation, escalation, or poor decision-making in stressful situations.
Effective personal safety isn’t about winning fights or proving a point. It’s about understanding situations, making smart decisions under pressure, and knowing when the best option is simply to move to safety.
As parents, it’s worth reflecting on the messages we pass on to our children. The goal isn’t to make them fearful — it’s to give them practical, realistic guidance that prioritises their wellbeing.
Because the most important outcome in any difficult situation isn’t who was right or wrong.The most important outcome is that your child gets home safe.
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What Advice Were You Given About Defending Yourself?
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