Why not just tell kids to stand up for themselves or pretend it doesnt bother them?
Theyve most likely already tried both of these interventions before asking us for help. If these strategies worked, they would already have solved the problem. Bullying has much in common with sexual harassment, spousal abuse, and racism: There is an imbalance of power. The aggressor blames the target for causing or deserving the harassment. Targets often come to blame themselves. What parenting styles lead to young people becoming (or not becoming) bullies? There are many other factors outside the family, but families where discipline is inconsistent and where there is little warmth and adult attention are more likely to raise children who bully. Consistent, fair discipline teaches self-control and responsibility. Warmth and time spent together teach connection and empathy. What about factors outside the family? The more violent television, violent movies, violent video games, and music glorifying violence kids are exposed to, the more likely they are to solve problems in violent ways
