Who Are the Victims? Where Does Bullying Happen?
Research does not support the assertion that certain children are bullied because of “external deviations” for example, obesity, red hair, an unusual dialect, or wearing glasses. The only physical characteristic that makes children more likely to be victims of bullying is below-average physical size and strength. The most likely victims are “passive” or “nonassertive students who” inadvertently send signals to bullies that they will not retaliate if attacked. They tend to be more anxious, insecure, cautious, quiet, and sensitive than others. Overall, the data indicate that boys are more likely to be both bullies and victims than are girls and that boys often bully directly (open attacks), while girls often bully indirectly (more subtle attacks, such as social isolation or rumor-spreading). Much of the bullying goes on in areas with less adult supervision hallways, locker rooms, restrooms, cafeterias, bus stops, etc. but it is important to note that the classroom is not immune to incide
