Bullies and Their Victims: Understanding a Pervasive Problem in the Schools

Abstract

School violence traditionally has been defined in terms of acts of assault, theft, and vandalism. However, a lesser but more frequent form of violence, “bullying,” affects 15% to 20% of all students in schools today. The National Education Goals Panel has identified creating school environments that are free from violence as one of the national goals. This goal cannot be achieved unless the issue of bullying is addressed directly by school systems in the United States. This article discusses the characteristics of bullies and their victims, school and family factors that affect the development of the bully/victim experience, and the school system responses to bullying. Finally, components of a comprehensive intervention plan for bullying are provided.