Why do children
bully?
There are all kinds of
reasons why young people bully others, either occasionally or often. Do
any of these sound familiar ?
...because you/he/she/they
did it to me!
...because I see others doing it!
...because it's what you do if you want to hang out
with the right crowd.
...because it makes me feel, stronger, smarter, or
better than the person I'm bullying.
...because it's one of the best ways to keep others
from bullying me.
Whatever the reason,
bullying is something we all need to think about. Whether we've done it
ourselves ... or whether friends or other people we know are doing it.
It needs to be first,
recognised and secondly, loudly stated that
bullying is wrong. Bullying has a terrible effect on the lives of young
people and while it may not be happening to you today, but it could
tomorrow.
Working together, the
lives of young people can, and must be, protected and improved.
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While
constitutional factors play a part in aggressive
behaviour, it is recognised that factors within
the home, school and wider society influence the
development of aggressive behaviour.
If aggressive behaviour is not challenged in
childhood, there is a danger that it may become
habitual. Indeed, there is research evidence, to
indicate that bullying during childhood puts
children at risk of criminal behaviour and
domestic violence in adulthood. |
Factors
which contribute to aggressive behaviour in the home are...
Lack of love and
care.
Too much freedom.
Inconsistent discipline.
Permissive management of aggressive behaviour.
Violent emotional outbursts on part of adults.
Excessive physical punishment.
Cruelty.
Factors which
contribute to aggression in school are...
Inconsistent and
inflexible rules.
Poor staff morale.
Inadequate supervision.
Punishment that is too harsh, abusive or humiliating
Few incentives and rewards for positive behaviour.
A curriculum that affords few feelings of success and achievement.
Other factors in wider society include violence portrayed on cinema
screens and on television. Research suggests that children who
constantly view violence on TV and video develop more aggressive
tendencies and less empathy with victims of aggression. This is
especially true of children who experience violence in their home and
their neighbourhood as part and parcel of their daily lives.
Click on the button below for a
paper that debunks 10 common myths about bullying when compared to
actual research findings.
