The time has come to see bullying as the serious problem it is. But bullies often experience lifelong consequences, too.
Bullies are often children who have been victimized and have found a way to switch sides.
Thus, any verbal condemnation they hear is easily outweighed by the more tangible rewards they experience as a result of their bullying. Victims share as many behaviour traits as bullies. This suggests that, as soon as parents learn that their children are being targeted, they should seek professional help to understand what they and their children can do to regain control of their lives. The litigious approach being taken by some victims may raise awareness of the problem by creating headlines. But it cannot replace a comprehensive strategy including treatment for aggressive children, counselling for victims, training for educators, help for parents, and public information to cement support for such programs.