What Makes A Child A Bully?
While some bullies are insecure, the majority have high self-esteem, popularity, above average intelligence, and are verbally and socially adept. Characteristically, they have a strong sense of contempt, entitlement, and lack of empathy. They believe they have a right to hurt others and they do not understand the emotional suffering they inflict. While there is no gene that predisposes a child to bullying, a child with an aggressive personality may be prone to bullying behavior and easily influenced by environmental factors. Just as targets need to be taught the language to respond and given opportunities to feel good about themselves, bullies must be taught acceptable, alternative behaviors and given chances to gain positive attention. It’s especially important that they’re taught empathy (“How would you feel if you were in his shoes?”), see respect and conciliation modeled at home, are disciplined in a consistent manner, are taught the importance of taking responsibility for actions,
