The child who bullies

WHAT CHARACTERISES THE CHILD WHO BULLIES?

As all bullying is aggression, a distinctive characteristic of children who bully is their aggressive attitude not only towards their peers but also towards adults, i.e. parents and teachers.

While constitutional factors play a part in aggressive behaviour, it is recognised that factors within the house, school and wider society influence the development of aggressive behaviour.

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 non-aggressive behaviour
  • curriculum that affords too few feelings of success and achievement