If he or she is allowed to continue the behavior, it becomes habitual. He becomes more likely to surround himself with friends who condone and promote aggressive behavior. He may not develop a mature sense of justice. If he intimidates others to cover up his own insecurities, his own anxiety may increase. When a child or adolescent is mean to another, it is important to look for patterns and motivations.
Bullies are often different from children who fight indiscriminately.
Children who are fighters may simply do so as a result of impulsivity or misreading of social cues. A fighter is often unpopular with his peers. He tends use fighting to settle a dispute and will fight anyone, whether or not adults are watching. He tends not to chose a particular victim. On the other hand, a bully often surrounds himself with a group of peers.