BULLYING Some Causes and Effects

WHAT causes a child to begin bullying others?  If you have ever been victimized by a bully, you may be tempted to say, "I don't care!  There's no excuse for that kind of behavior."  And you are probably right. But there is a big difference between a reason and an excuse. The reasons why a child becomes a bully do not excuse the wrong behavior, but they might help us understand it. And such insight can have real value. How so?

An ancient proverb says:  "The insight of a man certainly slows down his anger." (Proverbs 19:11)  Anger at the bully's conduct can blind us, filling us with frustration and even hatred.  But insight into his behavior  may help cool our anger. That, in turn, may allow us to see more  clearly as we search for solutions. So let's consider some factors that give rise to this unacceptable behavior.

Next time:  BULLYING Some Causes and Effects - What Gives Rise to Bullying?

From the Awake! magazine, 2003