Bullying is not a new problem in schools, but it is gaining more attention as episodes of school violence are increasing. Below are some of the major causes of bullying schools.
Desire for Attention
Children who do not get attention or emotional support at home may try to get noticed even in negative ways. To do this, they may try to become the center of attention by humiliating someone else.
Cycle of Abuse
Some children are only repeating behaviors they witness at home. They may see one parent bullied by the other or may be the victims of bullying themselves by older siblings.
Influence of Media
Television shows, video games, websites and popular music all have facets that encourage and even praise violent behavior as a means to assert oneself. Taken out of context, a troubled child may use these examples as ways of being aggressive to gain popularity with peers.
Desire for Control
There are many children who live in undesirable family situations or who find themselves in abusive situations. In an attempt to exert some kind of control of their life, they will try to manipulate others even if they have to use threats and taunts.
Gang Membership
In small towns as well as big cities, children are finding acceptance through gang membership. This is especially true of youth who live in families with either one parent or an extended family member. Gangs often use threats and intimidation to initiate new recruits and continue to use these methods to deal with opposing gangs. These tactics inevitably are transferred to the school environment.
