The roles kids play in bullying are not limited to those who bully others and those who are bullied.
The Bully: These children engage in bullying behavior towards their peers. There are many risk factors that may contribute to the child’s behavior. Often, these students require support to change their behavior and address any other challenges that may be influencing their behavior.
The Bullied: These children are the targets of bullying behavior. Some factors put children at more risk of being bullied, but not all children with these characteristics will be bullied. Sometimes, these children may need help learning how to respond to bullying.
Even if a child is not directly involved in bullying, they may be contributing to the behavior. Witnessing the behavior may also affect the child, so it is important for them to learn what they should do when they see bullying happen.
The Assistant: These children may not start the bullying or lead in the bullying behavior, but serve as an “assistant” to children who are bullying. These children may encourage the bullying behavior and occasionally join in.
The Supporter: These children are not directly involved in the bullying behavior but they give the bullying an audience. They will often laugh or provide support for the children who are engaging in bullying. This may encourage the bullying to continue.
The Outsiders: These children remain separate from the bullying situation. They neither reinforce the bullying behavior nor defend the child being bullied. Some may watch what is going on but do not provide feedback about the situation to show they are on anyone’s side. Even so, providing an audience may encourage the bullying behavior. These kids often want to help, but don’t know how. Learn how to be “more than a bystander.”
The Defender: These children actively comfort the child being bullied and may come to the child’s defense when bullying occurs.
I Hope this information is helpful..