Bullies and Their Victims: Understanding a Pervasive Problem in the Schools

Bullying affects 15-20% of all students in schools today. In extreme cases, students have committed suicide because of being bullied or have killed the bully. Schools cannot become violence-free if this issue is not addressed. This article discusses the characteristics of bullies, their victims, school & family factors that affect the development of the bully/victim experience, & school system responses to bullying. Components of a comprehensive intervention plan for bullying are provided.