W hether as direct as a punch or as subtle as a smirk, bullying is a serious problem in American schools, where one in seven children is either a bully or has been victimized by one. Bullying can leave permanent physical and emotional injuries. Know what bullying looks like. Most bullying is verbal, not physical, like mocking, name-calling, and spreading hurtful rumors. Bullies enjoy bullying.
New research shows that they enjoy the power of bullying and making other people suffer.
Far from regretting their acts, they often rationalize them by saying the victims provoked them in some way. Victims of bullies are often avoided and rarely defended by their classmates because they don't want to chance becoming the bully's next victim. Victims keep mum. Children who are bullied usually suffer in silence because they feel that nothing can be done to help them. Some become isolated and depressed, and may even resort to violence against themselves or others.