Bullies and Victims: A Theme of Boys and Adolescent Males (From Handbook of Counseling Boys and Adolescent Males: A Practitioner's Guide, P 313-340, 1999, Arthur M. Horne and Mark S. Kiselica, eds. -- See NCJ-181846)

• NCJ Number: 181854
• Author(s): Dawn A. Newman; Arthur M. Horne; Cynthia B. Webster
• Date Published: 1999
• Length: 28 pages
• Sale Source: Sage Publications, Inc
• Publication Format: Book (Softbound)
• Publication Type: Issue Overview
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article considers bullies and their victims.

Abstract

Bullying occurs when a student intentionally and repeatedly harms another student, physically or psychologically, over time. Most bullies become more aggressive over time if they do not receive an external intervention focused on increasing their social skills and reducing their aggression. The article describes variations on bullying, developmental, and systemic factors influencing bullying, victims’ characteristics, and their role in the bullying relationship and interventions (including systemic school interventions as well as individual and group interventions) to reduce or prevent acts of bullying. It also considers the notion of the “likable bully.” The article examines myths and misconceptions about bullying, family characteristics of bullies and cultural factors, the use of bibliotherapy to increase awareness of bullying, use of role-play, and the no-blame approach to bullying. Family counseling can help the bully and his family focus on problem solving and building family cohesion. Establishing boundaries and differentiating family members can prove beneficial for the victim and his family in therapy.