Press Dispensary - September 13, 2007 - The National Association of Karate and Martial Art Schools (NAKMAS) is moving to help young martial artists tackle bullying and child abuse by launching its ‘Safe Kids’campaign.
The ‘Safe Kids’ initiative will see all young participants offered advice on how to avoid difficult situations and where to seek help if they are being bullied. Children will be given credit-card sized advice cards to keep with them which will provide contact details of organisations which are able to help, as well as giving tips on keeping safe.
The innovative campaign has been launched in response to increasing concerns from parents and martial arts teachers over how well equipped children are to deal with bullying and child abuse.
Joe Ellis, NAKMAS Chair, believes that the campaign will help protect vulnerable groups: “Sadly, many children have to deal with bullying and abuse but the point we are promoting is that they don’t have to put up with it. Martial arts can give kids the confidence to stand up to bullies or avoid difficult situations but it’s important that they know where to turn to for professional help and advice.
“In martial arts we have a culture where bullying and abuse are simply not
tolerated – they are contrary to our whole ethos – and this campaign will both help children avoid bullying and help them deal with it when it does it occur.
Joe says that the programme means NAKMAS remains at the leading edge ofchild protection policies. “At NAKMAS we take our responsibility to child protection very seriously. We are constantly updating our procedures to ensure that we keep up with best practice and this is another example of NAKMAS leading the way on these issues.”
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Notes for editors
For further information, please contact:
Joe Ellis, chair and acting lead child protection officer
Tel: 01227 370055 / 07976 736404
Fax: 01227 370056
Email: joe.ellis@nakmas.org.uk
Site: www.nakmas.org.uk
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