School program’s winning fight against bullies

Jeff Horn says helping children overcome bullying and changing the culture in schools would be a legacy he’d be as proud of as winning a world title. He’s working on it at Clontarf.

Boxer Jeff Horn is the program’s ambassador. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

Jeff Horn says helping children overcome bullying and changing the culture in schools would be a legacy he’d be as proud of as winning a world title.

The former world welterweight boxing champion has been the ambassador of the Australian Martial Arts Youth Development Alliance (AMAYDA) program since a pilot version was launched two years ago.

It’s now in 27 schools, including Clontarf Beach State High School, working with about 700 children across Australia.

“I got bullied terribly in school and wanted to use my platform as a public figure to give back to kids in need, as I believe no child should ever be told to get on their knees like I was,” Jeff says.

Australian boxer Jeff Horn. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

“AMAYDA is all about giving our kids the skills to be able to handle bullying situations in a positive way, so they can build resilience and have the answers on how to deal with these terrible situations themselves.”

“I also want to make the students believe their lives are valuable and you can go from being a bullied school kid to a world champion with the right mentoring.”

AMAYDA general manager Frank Mechler says students are taught the four As.

Avoidance: avoiding bullying situations and not making themselves a target; Awareness: being aware of their surroundings, what’s going on to them and others, and gathering evidence in cases of cyber-bullying;

Assessment: Is the situation mild, dangerous or life-threatening?; Application: What techniques can they use to protect themselves or resolve things?

Frank says they also learn the emotional aspects of martial arts — respect, courage, integrity and resilience, and the practical aspects of self-defence. Clontarf Beach SHS has been involved in the program since the beginning of this year, thanks to sponsorship by Keystar Autoworld.

Boxer Jeff Horn with Clontarf Beach State High School students. Picture: Sarah Gigg, Clontarf Beach State High School.

Dealer principal Rob Sica says his team understands how important it is to empower young people and guide them.

Clontarf Beach SHS guidance officer Terry Rowsell says 10 students took part in an initial trial group and this has been expanded to 20 students from Years 7-9.

“Students are more confident to resolve conflicts positively and to help out others who may be faced with difficult social situations,” Terry explains.

“It is important for students to be self-reliant and resilient, so that they can cope with the challenges that come from being teenagers in our modern society. But more importantly, it is important for students to develop a sense of what is right and wrong.”

Jeff says the majority of participants grow in confidence to become anti-bullying ambassadors. “This fact alone is what I believe will change the cultural acceptance of bullying in our schools,” he says.

“I wish I had this … I truly believe my school years would have been completely different if I had the skills to deal with it.”

Visit amayda.com.au