Bullying is one of the most persistent challenges that children and adults alike may face in any environment. From aggressive behavior to physical and verbal abuse, and even emotional harm, the failure of many parents to notice simple daily behavioral details in their children can mean a bully is hiding behind an innocent smile or apparent quiet. Therefore, according to a psychology specialist, it is essential for parents, educators, and caregivers to be aware of the early signs that reveal bullying behavior, whether at home, on the street, at school, or even on digital platforms, in order to intervene correctly and guide the child toward healthy behavior that respects others and enhances their social and emotional skills.
Below are six signs indicating that a child might be a bully, according to Dr. Kamika Hazel, an Assistant Professor of Psychology and Counseling and School Counseling Advisor, in an interview published by the New York Institute of Technology.
Increased Aggressive Behavior Dr. Kamika emphasized the need for parents' awareness and attention to their children's daily actions at home or school, particularly by tracking new behaviors that may appear, especially when children suddenly start getting into verbal or physical fights with siblings at home, peers in their living spaces, or classmates at school. These aggressive behaviors include hitting, threatening, pushing, using insulting nicknames, and shouting disrespectfully at others.
Recurring Problems at School In addition to increased aggression, Dr. Kamika warned that parents may sometimes begin to receive a series of repeated complaints from the school about their child due to poor treatment of others. She considers these clear warnings of potentially deeper and more serious issues, such as the child being constantly summoned to the principal's office, being punished with deprivation or detention, or repeatedly getting involved in various behavioral violations.
An «Unhealthy» Choice of Friends Another sign that a child might be a bully is forming unjustified friendships with children who engage in bullying at school, or belonging to groups that encourage such aggressive behavior toward others, as children are usually more attracted to those who think and behave like them.
Inability to Empathize In this regard, Dr. Kamika stressed that parents should be concerned if they notice their child's inability to show empathy or express sadness or sympathy for people who are suffering, in pain, or distressed, as this may indicate the child has real difficulty caring about others' feelings and may not care if they harm them.
Possession of Items of Unknown Origin Another sign that may alert parents to a bully in their home is noticing the child has some new items of unknown origin (such as money or new unexplained things) that do not belong to the family or siblings and were not previously purchased, which the child obtained without their knowledge. They may have taken them from others by relying on bullying behavior, such as verbal or physical violence. Various Disorders Dr. Kamika explained that the causes of bullying in children are varied, the most prominent being a child's desire for control, to attract attention, and to feel powerful or dominant over others, as well as a lack of social skills and empathy, such as the ability to understand others' feelings or communicate healthily. This can extend to some children being exposed to aggressive behavior, violence, or insults at home or school repeatedly, or suffering from some mental health disorders.
She also highlighted the importance of being aware of the history of trauma or painful experiences some children have gone through that drive them to defend themselves or attack and bully others to avoid being harmed again. • The causes of bullying are varied, the most prominent being a child's desire for control, to attract attention, and to feel powerful or dominant over others.
