Park District's Anti-Bullying Workshop Begins Next Week

In the Darien Park District’s anti-bullying workshop, students will learn more than physical responses to harassment.

While class instructor Pete Juska, who has been involved and trained in martial arts for 15 years, will teach self defense moves, he also talks about the “non-violent ways of handling bullies.”

“What we’re teaching students is how to be a good friend first and foremost,” he said. “We want to build their confidence by talking about core values such as respect, honesty, trustworthiness and self-esteem.”

Bullying is an act of repeated aggressive behavior in order to intentionally hurt another person, physically or mentally.

Martial arts comes in when students have “taken steps one, two, three and four and nothing’s been resolved,” Juska said.

Park District officials are excited about the workshop.

“This is the first time we’ve offered this one,” said Cindy Garcia, program supervisor.

The two-part program, for kids ages four to 11, will be held from 7 to 8 p.m. Thursdays, Aug. 18 and Aug. 25, at the , 7301 Fairview Ave.

Juska, a father of three, wants the students to learn more than just the best techniques to combat bullying.

“I want them to know they matter,” he said. “From my own personal experience, I’ve seen so many kids that grow up in dysfunctional homes. I want the kids to know they’re important and that they’re loved and to take that and share it with others.”

The Westmont resident also hopes to encourage students to get off the couch and “do something.”

“Let’s not sit around and play video games all day,” he said. “The issue of child obesity is growing and I want to really promote an active lifestyle. Get up, go outside and play for an hour. If you start (kids) out at an early age with that type of mindset, when they grow up I don’t think they’re going to stray from that.”

A certain number of students are needed for the class to carry. There is still time to sign up.

For more information about the class, the Darien Park District website.