The Roles Children Play in Bullying

Kids can bully others, be bullied, or witness bullying.

The Importance of Not Labeling Kids

Sends the message that the child's behavior cannot change

Fail to recognize multiple roles children might plan in different bullying situations

Disregard other factors contributing to the behavior (peer influence or school climate)

Instead of labeling the children involved, focus on the behavior

Bully = child who bullied

Victim = child who was bullied

Bully/Victim = child who was both bullied and bullied others

Circle of Bullying

Those directly involved in bullying and those who actively assist the behavior or defend against it

Kids Involved in Bullying

Kids who bully

Kids who are bullied

Kids who assist

Kids who reinforce

Outsiders

Kids who defend

Engage in bullying behavior toward their peers

Targets of bullying behavior

May not start the bullying or lead, but serves as an 'assistant' by encouraging the bullying

Not directly involved in the behavior, but give the bullying an audience

Completely separate from the bullying situation

Actively comfort the child being bullied and come to their defense when bullying occurs