Bullying is a serious issue that can leave deep scars on a child’s mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing. Nearly one in five students still report being bullied, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. It’s painful to imagine our children enduring the torment of bullying, but even more troubling are the lasting effects it can have. Bullying often leads to anxiety, depression, poor academic performance, and social isolation—challenges that can be very difficult for a child to overcome. 

In today’s era of perpetual digital connectivity, the reach of bullying has become more serious than ever. No longer confined to the playground or classroom, bullying now follows children everywhere, playing out on social media and other digital platforms. To no surprise, this makes it harder for parents and teachers to be aware, intervene, and help kids cope. Though bullying has long been viewed as an unfortunate part of growing up, it’s clear that passivity is no longer an option. We need to actively bolster the resilience in children and put effective solutions in place.

One of the most effective and powerful approaches to combat bullying lies in socializing and getting to know other kids through extracurricular activities like sports, music, and clubs. These activities offer more than just a fun escape; they can foster belonging, build confidence and resilience, and provide role models for constructive behavior that is often lacking in today’s phone-based digital world. 

Fostering Inclusion and Creating a Sense of Belonging

Beyond the sting and embarrassment of being bullied, it leaves victims isolated. A bullied kid feels alone, and that solitude can increase the likelihood of them becoming more of a target. Extracurricular activities can help break this cycle by giving our youth a chance to make authentic connections outside of school or online forums. Whether it’s through a soccer team, a music ensemble, or a swim class, being part of a group makes people feel like they belong. These spaces thrive on mutual support systems, helping children find their people.

At sports programs like i9 Sports and US Sports Camps, inclusivity is vital to the experience. No child is left out, benched, or cut from an I9 team. Instead, every child is given the chance to grow, not just as an athlete but as an individual, learning values like respect, teamwork, and kindness. Where sports are often a place where kids can feel left out or unqualified, this focus on inclusivity builds an environment where they can thrive, not just in the game but in how they treat each other off the field. This type of environment teaches kids that it’s not just about winning. How you play, how you treat others, and how you include everyone matters just as much. 

Building Self Confidence and Resilience

Bullies often aim for those who seem vulnerable, but when a child finds something that gives them the confidence they may have been missing, they’re less likely to project the vulnerability a bully looks for. This confidence is best sharpened by trying and failing in a safe and supportive environment. Testing out skills, perspectives, and personal style in extracurriculars is a powerful reinforcement of bouncing back. 

Music and arts are particularly powerful outlets for self-expression. With encouragement from their peers and instructors, musical programs like School of Rock give kids a place to build self-esteem while finding their creative voice. Mastering a guitar solo or performing on stage with a band creates a sense of accomplishment that can make a child feel more resilient in the face of adversity. Creative environments allow for confronting gaps in skills through real-time feedback for improvement, like “Why don’t you try it this way?” or “Let’s find the beat.”

Learning life skills and trying things that can be intimidating at first is a particularly good way to help kids come out of their shells. At swim programs like SafeSplash, kids not only master essential water safety and enhance their swimming skills, but they also experience the power of achievement at a young age. These programs help children develop social cues, communication, and listening skills, boosting their confidence in school and social settings.

Encountering setbacks in an environment that is built for exploration builds resilience. When kids feel good about what they’re achieving in their extracurriculars, that confidence can spill into everything else they do.

Promoting Positive Role Models and Mentorship

It’s not just about protecting the kids who are picked on but demonstrating socially acceptable norms. One of the best things about extracurricular activities is the way they connect kids with positive role models. Coaches, music teachers, or instructors  are mentors who do more than just teach life skills; they pass on long-term lessons. Things like respect, inclusion, and perseverance become a big part of what kids can learn, helping them develop a strong sense of right and wrong.  

At i9 Sports, coaches are key to not only the brand’s success but also the personal growth of young athletes. Each week, coaches include one of the brand's nine core sportsmanship values in practices and games, ensuring these lessons are shared across all age groups. Whether it’s teaching respect, teamwork, or integrity, these values leave a lasting impression on each kid, influencing their behavior both in school and at home. 

When coaches create a positive and supportive space, they help kids develop strong character, shape how they treat others, and handle challenges. It’s important to encourage values that stick with kids long after the game is over – teamwork, kindness, and accountability. 

It is tempting to view the war on bullying as best fought at the frontline of the classroom or on cell phones. Our kids are navigating some tough waters that we never had to experience in the same way, and we need to do everything we can to make them safer. We can help support this journey and their growth with extracurricular enrichment. Thoughtfully designing extracurricular experiences that strengthen a kid’s ability to brace for the challenges of school and social media and find their people provides the stability they need, making their voyage more of an adventure.