It would guide us to better ways of deciding who to work with and how. Richard Hazler Hazler's common definition of bullying is repeatedly harming others via a physical attack or by hurting someone's feelings through words, actions, or social exclusion. Another important aspect, he says, is that an unfair match exists - with the bully being physically, verbally, or socially more powerful than the victim. Many bullies actually are former victims, he notes, who have figured out how to gain power. Hazler theorizes that power is at the crux of bullying and victimization, and that children begin learning about how to deal with power struggles at a young age.
Bullying is most severe in grades seven to nine.
For example, toddlers fighting over a toy are learning about issues of being in control or being controlled. Most kids learn how not to be a bully and still have personal power. Most learn how not to be a victim. All kids have abused the power they have over someone at some time. Most learn it doesn't get them all they want in the long run.