kids self defense

Self-defense is an essential life skill that every individual, regardless of age, should possess. In today’s world, where violence and crime are prevalent, it is crucial to equip children with the tools and knowledge to protect themselves in potentially dangerous situations. This is where kids’ self-defense comes into play.

Kids’ self-defense is not about teaching children to fight or promoting violence. On the contrary, it is about empowering them to stay safe and to defend themselves and others if needed. It is about teaching them to be aware of their surroundings, to recognize potential threats, and to have the confidence and skills to respond appropriately.

In this article, we will delve into the importance of kids’ self-defense, the benefits it offers, and some practical self-defense techniques that children can learn.

Why is Kids’ Self-Defense Important?

Statistically, children are more likely to encounter violence in their daily lives compared to adults. According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, 800,000 children go missing every year in the United States. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys will experience some form of sexual abuse before the age of 18.

These alarming statistics highlight the importance of teaching children how to protect themselves in potentially dangerous situations. Apart from physical threats, children also face bullying, cyberbullying, and other forms of harassment, which can have long-lasting effects on their mental and emotional well-being.

By learning self-defense, children can develop the skills to defend themselves against these threats, and also learn to be more confident and assertive in their daily lives. It can also help them build a sense of independence and resilience, which are crucial qualities for their personal development.

Benefits of Kids’ Self-Defense

Apart from the obvious benefit of being able to defend oneself, kids’ self-defense offers numerous other advantages.

1. Builds Confidence and Self-Esteem

One of the most significant benefits of kids’ self-defense is that it helps build confidence and self-esteem. Learning self-defense techniques and successfully applying them in a controlled environment can make children feel more secure and capable. It also teaches them to believe in themselves and their abilities, which can have a positive impact on their overall well-being.

2. Enhances Physical Fitness

Self-defense training involves physical activities such as punching, kicking, and grappling, which can improve a child’s overall physical fitness. It helps build strength, stamina, and coordination, which are essential for a healthy lifestyle. Regular practice of self-defense techniques can also help children maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of obesity-related health issues.

3. Develops Focus and Discipline

Self-defense training requires a high level of focus and discipline. Children learn to pay attention to their instructor, follow instructions, and practice techniques until they master them. This can help children develop a sense of discipline, which can be beneficial in other areas of their lives, such as school, sports, and relationships.

4. Teaches Conflict Resolution Skills

Self-defense training also teaches children how to recognize and avoid potential conflicts. They learn to use their words to de-escalate a situation and to walk away from a potentially dangerous encounter. This can help them avoid physical altercations and learn how to resolve conflicts peacefully.

5. Promotes Mental and Emotional Well-being

Apart from the physical benefits, self-defense training can have a positive impact on a child’s mental and emotional well-being. It can help them manage stress and anxiety, improve their mood, and boost their self-confidence. Children who practice self-defense also learn to set goals, overcome challenges, and develop a growth mindset.

Practical Self-Defense Techniques for Kids

Now that we have established the importance and benefits of kids’ self-defense, let’s look at some practical techniques that children can learn.

1. Stranger Danger

One of the first and most crucial self-defense techniques children should learn is how to recognize and respond to strangers. Teach your child to never talk to strangers or accept anything from them without your permission. Instruct them to stay away from strangers who ask for help, and to always stay in groups when out in public.

2. Yell and Run

If a stranger approaches your child and makes them feel uncomfortable, teach them to yell “NO!” and run away. This will attract attention and deter the potential abductor. Encourage your child to practice this technique with you, so they know what to do in a real-life situation.

3. Be Aware of Surroundings

Teach your child to be aware of their surroundings at all times. This means paying attention to who is around them, where they are, and what is happening. Encourage them to trust their instincts and to leave a situation if they feel uncomfortable.

4. Basic Strikes

Children can learn basic striking techniques such as punches, kicks, and elbow strikes, which can be used to defend against an attacker. These techniques can be taught in a controlled environment and practiced with a partner. It is essential to stress the importance of using these techniques only in self-defense and never to initiate a fight.

5. Escaping Grabs and Holds

Another crucial self-defense technique for kids is learning how to escape grabs and holds. Children can be taught to break free from a wrist grab, bear hug, or chokehold. This involves using leverage and techniques such as twisting, pulling, and striking to escape the hold.

6. Ground Defense

In a real-life situation, a child may find themselves on the ground, either intentionally or unintentionally. It is important to teach them how to defend themselves in this scenario. Techniques such as bridging, shrimping, and kicking can help children break free from an attacker on the ground.

7. Verbal Self-Defense

Verbal self-defense is an essential skill that children can learn to avoid physical altercations. Teach your child to use their words to de-escalate a situation and to say “NO!” if someone is pressuring them to do something they are not comfortable with. They can also use assertive statements such as “I don’t like it when you do that,” or “Stop, I don’t want to play anymore.”

8. Cyber Safety

In today’s digital age, it is crucial to teach children about cyber safety and how to protect themselves online. This includes not sharing personal information with strangers, being careful about what they post online, and knowing how to report any cyberbullying or harassment.

9. Bullying Prevention

Bullying is a prevalent issue that many children face, and it can have severe consequences on their mental and emotional well-being. Teaching children how to recognize and respond to bullying is an essential part of self-defense. Encourage your child to speak up and seek help if they are being bullied, and teach them how to be assertive and confident in dealing with bullies.

10. Practice, Practice, Practice

Lastly, it is essential to emphasize the importance of practice when it comes to self-defense. Encourage your child to practice self-defense techniques regularly, whether at home or in a class setting. This will help them build muscle memory and confidence in their abilities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, kids’ self-defense is an essential life skill that can have a positive impact on a child’s overall well-being. By teaching children how to recognize and respond to potential threats, they can develop the skills and confidence to stay safe in potentially dangerous situations. It is crucial to remember that self-defense is not about promoting violence, but about empowering children to protect themselves and others. With regular practice and reinforcement, children can develop the necessary skills to defend themselves and navigate through life with confidence and resilience.

how to turn off guided access

Guided Access is a feature on Apple devices that allows users to restrict the use of certain apps and features on their device. This can be particularly useful for parents who want to limit their child’s access to certain apps or for individuals who struggle with staying focused and need to limit their own distractions. However, there may be times when you need to turn off Guided Access, either temporarily or permanently. In this article, we will discuss how to turn off Guided Access and the various methods for doing so.

What is Guided Access?

Guided Access is a feature that was introduced with iOS 6 and is available on iOS devices including iPhones, iPads, and iPod Touch. It allows users to limit the use of certain apps and features on their device by locking the device into a single app. This means that once Guided Access is enabled, the user cannot switch to another app or use any other features of the device until it is disabled. This can be particularly useful for parents who want to restrict their child’s access to certain apps, or for individuals who struggle with staying focused and need to limit their own distractions.

How to Turn Off Guided Access – Method 1: Using the Guided Access Shortcut

One of the easiest ways to turn off Guided Access is by using the Guided Access shortcut. This is a feature that was introduced with iOS 11 and allows users to quickly enable or disable Guided Access by triple-clicking the home button. Here’s how to use it:

1. Open the app that you have enabled Guided Access on.

2. Triple-click the home button to bring up the Guided Access shortcut.

3. Enter your passcode (if prompted).

4. Tap on “End” in the top left corner.

5. You will be prompted to enter your passcode again to confirm. Once done, Guided Access will be turned off.

How to Turn Off Guided Access – Method 2: Using the Settings App

Another way to turn off Guided Access is by using the Settings app on your device. This method is useful if you want to disable Guided Access for multiple apps, or if you have enabled Guided Access on an app that is not currently open. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open the Settings app on your device.

2. Scroll down and tap on “General.”

3. Tap on “Accessibility.”

4. Scroll down and tap on “Guided Access.”

5. Toggle the switch next to “Guided Access” to turn it off.

6. You will be prompted to enter your passcode to confirm. Once done, Guided Access will be turned off.

How to Turn Off Guided Access – Method 3: Using Siri

If you have enabled Siri on your device, you can also use it to turn off Guided Access. Here’s how to do it:

1. Activate Siri by holding down the home button or saying “Hey Siri.”

2. Say “Turn off Guided Access.”

3. You will be prompted to enter your passcode to confirm. Once done, Guided Access will be turned off.

How to Turn Off Guided Access – Method 4: Using the Control Center

If you have enabled Guided Access on an app that is currently open, you can turn it off using the Control Center. Here’s how to do it:

1. Swipe up from the bottom of your screen to bring up the Control Center.

2. Tap on the Guided Access icon (looks like a lock inside a circle) to turn it off.

3. You may be prompted to enter your passcode to confirm. Once done, Guided Access will be turned off.

How to Turn Off Guided Access – Method 5: Using the Home Button Shortcut

If you have enabled Guided Access on an app that is currently open, you can also use a shortcut on the home button to turn it off. Here’s how to do it:

1. Triple-click the home button to bring up the Guided Access shortcut.

2. Enter your passcode (if prompted).

3. Tap on “End” in the top left corner.

4. You will be prompted to enter your passcode again to confirm. Once done, Guided Access will be turned off.

How to Turn Off Guided Access – Method 6: Using the AssistiveTouch Feature

If you have enabled the AssistiveTouch feature on your device, you can also use it to turn off Guided Access. Here’s how to do it:

1. Tap on the AssistiveTouch button on your screen (or triple-click the home button if you have set it up to appear).

2. Tap on “Device.”

3. Tap on “Guided Access.”

4. Toggle the switch next to “Guided Access” to turn it off.

5. You may be prompted to enter your passcode to confirm. Once done, Guided Access will be turned off.

How to Turn Off Guided Access – Method 7: Using the “End” Button

If you have enabled Guided Access on an app that is currently open, you can also use the “End” button to turn it off. Here’s how to do it:

1. Tap on the “End” button in the top left corner of your screen.

2. You will be prompted to enter your passcode to confirm. Once done, Guided Access will be turned off.

How to Turn Off Guided Access – Method 8: Using the Power Button

If you have enabled Guided Access on an app that is currently open, you can also use the power button to turn it off. Here’s how to do it:

1. Press and hold the power button until the “slide to power off” option appears.

2. Release the power button and then press and hold the home button until the app closes.

3. You will be prompted to enter your passcode to confirm. Once done, Guided Access will be turned off.

How to Turn Off Guided Access – Method 9: Using the Apple Watch

If you have an Apple Watch, you can also use it to turn off Guided Access on your iPhone. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone.

2. Scroll down and tap on “General.”

3. Tap on “Accessibility.”

4. Scroll down and tap on “Guided Access.”

5. Toggle the switch next to “Guided Access” to turn it off.

6. You may be prompted to enter your passcode to confirm. Once done, Guided Access will be turned off.

How to Turn Off Guided Access – Method 10: Using the Find My iPhone Feature

If you have enabled the Find My iPhone feature on your device, you can also use it to turn off Guided Access remotely. Here’s how to do it:

1. Log in to the Find My iPhone website or app on another device.

2. Select your device from the list.

3. Click on “Lost Mode.”

4. Click on “Turn Off Guided Access.”

5. You may be prompted to enter your passcode to confirm. Once done, Guided Access will be turned off.

In Conclusion

Guided Access is a useful feature that can help you limit the use of certain apps and features on your device. However, there may be times when you need to turn it off, either temporarily or permanently. We have discussed 10 different methods for turning off Guided Access, so you can choose the one that works best for you. Whether you prefer using shortcuts, Siri, or the Control Center, you can easily disable Guided Access and regain full access to your device. So go ahead and explore these methods to see which one works best for you.