Do You Understand Bullying

There will always be a bully, because bullying is about power. It’s a distinctive pattern of repeatedly and deliberately harming and humiliating others who are smaller or in some way more vulnerable than the bully. Test your knowledge of bullying.

1. A striking feature of cyberbullying is that it:

Is rare among middle-schoolers Is especially common among boys. Is more harmful than classic physical or verbal bullying. Has few lasting effects.

2. A common characteristic of bullies is that they:

Pick on anyone they can. Have low self-esteem. Do well in life. Single out kids who have few friends.

3. Bullies often have parents who:

Are neglectful. Have problems managing anger. Are overly permissive. Are uneducated.

4. Kids who are bullied by their peers:

Are at risk for developing anxiety and depression. Often become bullies themselves. Outgrow the effects of bullying. Generally do well in school.

5. Most peer bullying takes place:

Inside school classrooms. On playgrounds. When no one is looking. In schools that lack anti-bullying programs.

6. Kids who are bullied often keep it a secret from parents and teachers because:

They don’t want to get anyone in trouble. They don’t trust anyone will help. They fear retribution from the bully. Being picked on is humiliating and kids feel ashamed they are singled out.

7. A major psychological characteristic of bullies is that they:

Lack self-esteem. Understand how people operate. Misread the intentions of others. Eventually grow out of their bullying ways.

8. Another distinguishing feature of bullies is:

They are considered attractive by others. They overestimate how much their peers like them. They are usually well-liked by peers. Their aggressiveness diminishes over time.

9. The aggressiveness that bullies display:

Is something they’re born with. Reflects normal variation in personal traits. Is an asset over the course of life. Eventually gets in the way of developing intellectual skills.

10. The major psychological benefit bullies gain from their behavior is:

It makes them feel powerful. It is a way of earning the respect of others. It enables them to feel safe in a dangerous world. It bolsters a fragile sense of self.