Bullies
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Bullying can take many forms: physical, emotional, verbal or a combination of these. It may involve one child bullying another, a group of children against a single child or groups against other groups (gangs). It is not unlike other forms of victimization and abuse in that it involves:
- Imbalance of power
- Differing emotional tones, the victim will be upset whereas the bully is cool and in control
- Blaming the victim for what has happened
- Lack of concern on the part of the bully for the feelings and concerns of the victim
- Lack of compassion
- Who are bullies
Bullies are very often people who have been bullied or abused themselves. Sometimes they are experiencing life situations they cannot cope with, that leave them feeling helpless and out of control. They may have poor social skills, do not fit in, and cannot meet the expectations of their family, school, or bosses. They bully to feel competent, successful, to control someone else, and to get some relief from their own feelings of powerlessness.