Reducing The Urge To Bully

Bullying explicitly implies the intent to harm. Thus, addressing the problem requires efforts to reduce an individual’s desire to harm another. This process is one that should be initiated in the early years of the child’s life and supported through cooperative systems in the family, school, and community. For older children and adolescents, education and knowledge prove a clear foundation for improving outcomes and reducing the desire to harm others.

Whether the issue of bullying is addressed in childhood or adolescence, the foundations needed for preventing bullying are remarkably similar. Children of all ages benefit from feeling safe, supported, and heard. This safety and support can be cultivated through open, honest discussions about the reality of bullying and why bullying hurts. Encouraging children - both the bullied and the bullies - to discuss their experiences gives them agency over their feelings and responsibility over what they choose to do next. It is also important for parents and educators to consistently practice the tolerance they teach, as children’s behavior is greatly influenced by the adults in their lives.

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