Children bully for a variety of reasons. Some kids bully because they feel insecure. Gaining an upper hand over and/or picking on others feed the psyche with feelings of importance, acceptance, and control. In some cases, however, it might also happen that kids bully simply because they do not know that it is unacceptable to pick on kids who are “different” because of body size, physical appearance, race, or religion.

Typically, bullying behavior manifest because of several motivations:

Anger and unhappiness. The child could be projecting unresolved negative emotions towards others.

Victimized by a bully. Being the target of a bully in the past could result to acts of retaliation against others or to assert control over others in order to redeem his or her own self-esteem.

Trying to be popular by acting “cool”. It is possible that bullying behavior is copied in the hopes of being “accepted” by the “strong” kids.

Trying to gain acceptance in social circles. Other kids’ fear of and acquiescence to an aggressive dominant personality is mistaken for acceptance or popularity.

Struggles with school work. The difficulty to adjust in the classroom could result to children acting out. Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness could trigger negative emotions that are manifested outside the classroom.

Problems at home. Less than favorable or ideal conditions in the home bring with it pent up emotions that need a place of release. An unwelcoming household may drive a child to seek avenues outside to express the frustrations felt at home.

A dislike for people who are “different”. It’s been said that people fear the unfamiliar. It is human nature or basic instinct to initially reject, doubt, or question what is strange to them. An individual of different race, belief, or physical appearance are regarded with distrust, dislike, or disrespect by those who do not understand.

Amusement. Sadly, there are personalities that find it amusing to put others down. Perhaps, putting others down alleviates personal feelings of inadequacy or insecurity.

Mirroring of others’ behavior. There are studies that show children who grew up in an un-nurturing household tends to replicate their elders’ general behavior. So if a child is raised in a house full of conflict, it is possible for this child to seek conflict everywhere he goes. This is also true for those who have been victims of bullies in the past.

Individuals who persistently exhibit bullying behavior, more often than not, are like so in order to dominate others and improve their own social status. Also possibly to alleviate negative impressions on the self. It is likely that these individuals believe there is nothing wrong with bullying.

Whatever the cause for the bullying behavior, it can have serious effects, both for long and short terms. And the consequences are felt by the kids who are bullied and the child who bullies others.

If you suspect that you have been a bully, have been called a bully, or observe these conditions in others, you can have a voice.

The bottomline is bullying is a call for help. Help those who are being bullied and help those who bully. Bullied children need support and encouragement so as not to go through life believing they are mere victims. In the same breath, children who bully need positive intervention to get them to overcoming their perceived struggles through more constructive ways.