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ALL ABOUT BULLYING

Children Who Bully

Many children engage in bullying everyday. Although each child is different, those who bully other young people do share some common characteristics. Here are some things to look for:

Common Characteristics of Children Who Bully

  • Impulsive, hot-headed, dominant
  • Easily frustrated
  • Lack empathy
  • Have difficulty following rules
  • View violence in a positive way
  • Boys who bully tend to be physically stronger than other children.

There is no single cause of bullying among children. A host of different factors can place a child at risk for bullying his or her peers. However, it has been found that children who bully are more likely than their non-bullying peers to come from homes with certain characteristics.

Family Risk Factors for Bullying

  • A lack of warmth and involvement on the part of parents
  • Overly permissive parenting (including a lack of limits for children's behavior)
  • A lack of supervision by parents
  • Harsh, physical discipline
  • Bullying incidences at home

Bullying and Other Violent and/or Antisocial Behaviors

Research shows that bullying can be a sign of other serious antisocial and/or violent behavior. Children who frequently bully their peers are more likely than others to:

  • Get into frequent fights
  • Be injured in a fight
  • Vandalize or steal property
  • Drink alcohol
  • Smoke
  • Be truant from school
  • Drop out of school
  • Carry a weapon

For more detailed information about children who bully and for tips on how to deal with, and talk to such children, consult our Tip Sheets.