Nobody should endure physical and emotional abuse from another person. Although it’s tempting to respond negatively to people that wrong you, fighting a bully might have negative consequences. While you have a right to defend yourself if attacked physically, it’s better to handle the situation in a nonviolent manner whenever possible. Learn more about the consequences of fighting a bully to discover how it can affect your life in a negative way.
It’s Dangerous
Fighting a bully can have very dangerous consequences. It’s difficult to anticipate the fighting skill of another person. Someone trained in martial arts or boxing could inflict a great deal of harm on someone else. The negative consequences of fighting a bully include bruises, broken bones, and public embarrassment. It’s also impossible to determine if a bully has a weapon that could potentially kill you.
It’s Illegal
Illegal fighting has consequences. It’s against the law to physically harm someone else unless its a clear case of self-defense, and mere name-calling doesn’t qualify. In many states, if you have the ability to walk away, you can get in trouble if you choose to engage instead. It’s possible for you to be charged with assault if the incident is reported to law enforcement, and the prevalence of cell phones with video capabilities make this very easy. Assault is usually a misdemeanor charge, but you might have to serve jail time. It’s possible to receive a felony charge of aggravated assault if you harm someone severely. Fighting a bully just isn’t worth the criminal and legal consequences that come with it.
You Could Be Sued
In addition to criminal charges, fighting a bully could cost you a large sum of money. A bully might file a civil lawsuit against you. Many people seek financial compensation for medical expenses that result from a physical confrontation. It’s also possible for a bully to seek financial compensation for emotional stress from their injuries — even if they were the ones bothering you in the first place!
Fighting Stays on Your Academic Record
Fighting a bully on school property could stay on your academic record. The minimum punishment for fighting is detention. Many students are sentenced to in-school suspension or expelled. Colleges will look at your academic record during the admissions process. Negative marks regarding your behavior record could make it difficult to attend a prestigious university.
It Might Not Change Anything
Responding to a bully in a violent manner will not always make the situation better. The bully might continue to disrespect you. The purpose of a bully is to get a negative reaction out of you, and a bully loves to see you upset. It’s important to control your emotions around a bully. Many bullies will stop their hostile behavior when you stop responding to it.
The negative consequences of fighting could include include personal injury, criminal charges, and legal trouble. Fighting on school property will stay on your permanent record and might make the situation worse. It’s important to deal with a bully in a non-violent way when possible, such as verbally standing up for yourself, simply walking away, or getting the help of an adult.
However, if you DO need to respond physically, here are some tips from a Krav Maga expert: