Who are bullies?

Who are bullies? The description that most readily comes to mind is of a boy who is bigger than the rest of the kids his age, and who is perhaps poorer or dressed shabbily. However, that is not usually the case. Bullies don't have a certain look to them, but they all do have some similarities.

o Bullies are both boys and girls, well dressed and not, rich and poor, fat and skinny. You cannot tell by looking at someone whether or not they are a bully.

o Bullies are all different ages. Even adults can be bullies. Many times children who are bullies turn into adults who are bullies.

o Bullies may have been victims of bullying at some time.

o Bullies do what they do because they want control and power. Bullying is the only way they know how to get that.

o Bullies typically suffer from low self-esteem and they take out their frustrations about that on others around them.

o Bullies want people to look up to them and admire them, so they try to act tough.

o In many cases, bullying is a cry for help.