Bullies often victims of bullying themselves, SIU research shows

Nobody likes a bully; especially not the victim. But research shows that those bullies are likely to be victims of bullying themselves.

Sujung Cho, Southern Illinois University Carbondale assistant professor of criminology and criminal justice, found further proof of an overlap between those who were once victims of bullying, and those who are perpetrators.

With an estimated 25 to 33 percent of U.S. schoolchildren facing some form of bullying, many reports suggest that the prevalence of bullying not only impacts children during their school years, but may lead to criminal behaviors later in life.

Bullies as victims

Research found some time ago that there is a connection between the victims of bullying and those who are perpetrators. Cho, however, is using statistics to better understand the time-order and reason for this overlap.

"Normally, bullies and the victims of bullies are totally different people," Cho said. "But I have found that some who bully others, are being bullied by others. There is an overlap and a link."

Not all forms of bullying are the same, but according to Cho's findings, when youth spent time with bullies in the previous year, they were generally more at risk for being collectively teased and bantered. However, her findings suggest that the bullies themselves are also more likely to be a victim at the same time.

"If I were to perpetrate the bullying, I am more likely to be bullied by another person," Cho said. This is because I am exposed to potential offenders via the association with the bullies."

Cho's research also found several characteristics that increase the risk of both becoming a bully and a victim.

Several aspects, such as proximity to crime, exposure to potential offenders, connection with crime-prone environments and the absence of a guardian, are all found to increase the risk for victimization. But one of the unique elements related to increased risk of becoming either a bully or a victim is a lack of self-control.

"Low self-control can be a strong predictor explaining why I'm being victimized," Cho said. "If I have low self-control I am more likely to be exposed to more offenders, via being associated with delinquent peers or engaging by myself."

Individuals with low levels of self-control are more likely to engage in risky behaviors that, in turn, lead to greater odds of victimization because they have difficulty controlling their impulsive desires for thrill, fun, and pleasure, Cho explained.

Relationships help

In an examination of ways to decrease these risks, Cho found that strong attachments to other individuals can do much to decrease the negative actions of bullies, as well as the negative impact on potential victims.

"People who have strong ties to a combination of people such as parents, teachers and non-delinquent peers might think of their relationships when they think about the criminal behavior," Cho said. "If they have positive relationships with another person like a teacher or parent - especially parents and peers - they are less likely to commit the criminal behaviors."

Cho believes this research is crucial for public policy, school counselors and others involved with adolescents. Findings on the link between perpetration and victimization allow service providers to recognize significant risk factors, and implement prevention efforts to address bullying.

The goal of the research is to identify the risk factors, such as low self-control and immediate circumstances that create and/or facilitate criminal opportunities, so others may use the information to decrease the levels of bullying and criminal behavior in adolescents.</group><group id="9BE19E3F-5A59-4D49-939A-D9D832694953" type="seoLabels"><seoLabels></seoLabels></group></idf></i