Children who bully are not just angry outsiders looking for a fight.  In fact, many are popular, do well in school, come from middle-to-upper class families and relate well to adults.  The common factor is a lack of empathy and a willingness to harm another in order to advance in the social pecking order.

If your child’s school contacts you about a bullying incident, keep an open mind.  Your child might be at fault.

Ask yourself whether your child often excludes others; is kind to younger children and animals; is physically aggressive; uses intimidation or taunts to get his/her way; lacks empathy; blames others for bad behavior or doesn’t take responsibility for actions.  These are some of the traits found in children who bully.