Children Who Bully Articles

Why Do Children Bully Others?

Courtesy UNH Cooperative Extension

Research shows bullies are aggressive children. They view violence as an okay way to interact with other children.
Some bullies think children will harm them, so they fight to defend themselves or to show they’re strong. Many bullies are impulsive and active. Some are spanked or physically abused by their parents or other adults. Some have parents who are bullies. Bullies often copy the behavior they see or experience at home. Possibly because they don’t know what to do, parents and other adults may ignore the behavior of bullies. Since they aren’t disciplined, bullies learn it is okay to act aggressively towards others. Schools may support bullying behavior without realizing it. Teachers and administrators may recognize and reward only certain groups of students. Athletes or scholars may get special attention. These schools lack an atmosphere of inclusion and cooperation. Bullies harass others because of their race, gender, ethnicity, physical attributes, sexual orientation, or personality characteristics.

Is my child a bully?

Bullying can be pushing, kicking, hitting, making threats, name calling, using sarcasm, spreading rumors, teasing,
and/or humiliating others. Bullies try to control other children through words or physical means. Bullies plan to
act in hostile and aggressive ways.

Both boys and girls are bullies. Boys tend to be physical. Girls are more indirect, such as spreading rumors or leaving a child out of activities. Bullying usually starts in the preschool or early school age years. It may start as sibling rivalry when parents allow one sibling to bully his or her brother(s) or sister(s). It escalates during elementary school, and peaks during middle school. By late middle school or high school, many bullies are involved in criminal and gang behavior.

My child is a bully. What can I say?

If your child is a bully, tell him or her that you won’t allow the bullying to continue. Tell your child:
• Stay away from the child or children you have harassed or bullied.
• You can’t be with other children who are bullying with you.
• Go directly to school and come directly home. (If possible, make arrangements for an adult to go to
and from school with your child).
• I (or another adult) will supervise you. If other children play in our home, you must play where I can see you.
• If you visit another child, I will call the child’s parent to see if he or she is at home. You will be closely supervised.

Note from Stop-Bullies.com - The above facts are from the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension. To read more you access the pdf file here Children Who Bully