Bullies come in all shapes and sizes and backgrounds. Usually, bullies are people who have been very hurt at some point and have some kind of insecurity that bullying covers up. In some cases, bullies have home lives where it is okay or normal to shout to get your way. Some copy how they behave from TV, video games, etc. Sometimes the bully has been bullied themselves and they bully to try to make themselves feel better or bigger by trying to make you feel smaller, but it doesn’t work. Sometimes they are pushed into bullying by others in order to be part of a gang. Whatever the reason, the root of it is a search for power or control.
While most bullies have been from difficult walks of life and have had hard times, it is no excuse to treat others in a way that makes them feel bad about themselves. Nobody should put others down for any reason.
The good news is, there is also hope for bullies! It is possible for a bully to change. Bullies “change” for a variety of reasons, but it happens – that’s why we run our program called Bullying 180 – we know that bullies can do a 180 degree turn-around from their lifestyle.
Sometimes, bullies change because the way they acted was just a phase. Sometimes they wake up to how they have hurt others and realize that what they’ve done to their victims is wrong. Finally, sometimes the words of our teachers, parents and other adults we trust can help sway a bully’s behaviour.
A bully is not “stuck” that way forever; things can change.
Remember that you are important. Your life counts, and you can make a difference in this world. If you ever need to talk about this or anything else, feel free to get in touch with us. We’re here for you.
