Bullying behavior may seem rather insignificant compared to kids bringing guns to school and getting involved with drugs. Bullying is often dismissed as part of growing up. But it's actually an early from of aggressive, violent behavior. Statistics show that one in four children who bully will have a criminal record before the age of 30.
Bullies often cause serious problems that schools, families, and neighbors ignore.
Teasing at bus stops, taking another child's lunch money, insults and threats, kicking or shoving, it's all fair game to a bully. Gears and anxieties about bullies can cause some children to avoid school, carry a weapon for protection, or even commit more violent activity. Although anyone can be the target of bullying behavior, the victim is often singled out because of his or her psychological traits more that his or her physical traits. A typical victim is likely to be shy, sensitive, and perhaps anxious or insecure. Some children are picked on for physical reasons such as being overweight or physically small, having a disability, to a different race or religious faith.