Children and young people who are potential bullies have a number of common features. Again, it must be emphasized that these points are just the main trends. All the same, it is likely that an active bully will have one or more of the following characteristics.
It has often been presumed that bullies are anxious and unsure of themselves underneath their tough surface. However, research finds that bullies are characterized by either unusually low or about average levels of anxiety and insecurity. Their self-image is also about average or even relatively positive.
Some bullies are popular, others are not. A bully will often have a group of two or three friends who provide him or her with support and often join in the bullying. However, the popularity of the bully lessens at the higher class/grade levels.
- They view violence more favorably than most students do.
- They are often aggressive toward adults, both parents and teachers.
- They have a marked need to dominate and suppress other students, to assert themselves by means of force and threats, and to get their own way.
- Boys in this group are often stronger than their peers and, in particular, their victims.
- They are often hot-tempered, impulsive, and not very tolerant of obstacles and delays (frustrations).
- They find it difficult to fit in with rules.
- They appear to be tough and show little sympathy toward students who are bullied.
- They are good at talking their way out of difficult situations.
“The Real Story”
For 2 years, Sam, a quiet 13-year-old, was a human plaything for some of his classmates. The teenagers badgered Sam for money, forced him to swallow weeds and drink sour milk, beat him up in the rest room, and tied a string around his neck and led him around as a “pet.” When Sam’s torturers were asked about the bullying, they said they pursued their victim because “it was fun.”
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