It seems that bullying and victimization were not just individual phenomena, they were part of the school culture at Columbine High. Indeed, recent research suggests that peer harassment is highly prevalent in secondary schools in the United States. Developmental studies show that, in elementary school bullies and their victims are disliked by other children. Juvonen's research indicates that by middle school, however, victims are still disliked, but bullies have achieved social status. Indeed, Harris and Klebold noted with anger that some of the high-status jock bullies, convicted of burglary, received an especially lenient sentence.
Parents are another important factor in the total equation.
Research has shown a strong link between high-risk behavior in teens and parents who basically do not know what their children are doing. In other words, nosier, more intrusive parenting seems to be a protective factor against risky, dangerous teen behavior. It appears from all accounts that this protective factor was lacking in the parenting environment of Harris and Klebold. Elements for tragedy Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold were also apprentices acquiring knowledge from the broader culture beyond home and school. Internet bomb-making sites also provided validation and legitimization from a broader community of online Internet users.