Victims tend to be more passive, anxious, and insecure than non-victims and to have more negative views of themselves. The bullies, by comparison, tend to be aggressive children and frequently lack empathy for others. Bullies usually have a positive self-image and a desire to be in control. The bully cherishes power. The cherished myth of the bully as a loner with a poor self image seeking to bolster his own self-worth by attacking others didn't hold up to scrutiny of scientific study.
Any child can be a bully, and any child can be bullied if the circumstances are right.
Although bullying is common, studies report that only half the children report what is happening to a parent, and even fewer to a teacher. Few adults witness the acts of the bully because most aggression occurs at school and places where there is little oversight by an adult. The playground, cafeteria, and rest rooms are common locations for the perpetrator to act. Children who are victims may develop a variety of vague health complaints to avoid going to school or wherever the bullying is taking place. Sometimes this kind of school avoidance behavior can be a red flag for parents, so ask your child if he or she is being picked on and bullied.