The Bully

Behavior: How exactly is my child behaving?

• Pushes people around, verbally and physically.
  
  
• Threatens others continually.
  
  
• Has a bad temper—and often a bad mouth. Brags loudly and often about his or her strength.
  
  
• Extremely negative. Also has a very poor self-concept. As a result, becomes aggressive with other people at the first hint of trouble. A close look will reveal that this child always thinks others are trying to "put down" or take advantage of him or her.
  
  
• Talks back. Usually very public in announcing what he or she plans to do.
  
  
• Often has learning problems.
  
  
• Uses physical aggression but, generally, only outside the home or classroom. Makes verbal threats about what he or she will do after leaving the classroom or home.
  
  
• If articulate, may be verbally aggressive.
  
  
• Degrades others and humiliates others in public view.
  
  
• Generally either a loner with few friends or a gang leader. Those who join gangs identify with the bully in order to intimidate others. Regardless, the bully usually has a genuine reputation for being a fighter.
  
  
• Responds to all interaction negatively and physically.
  
  
• Looks for trouble.
  
  
• Friends or friends' parents may promote fighting.