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Who is Involved

  1. "Bully" - Children who engage in bullying are motivated by gaining and maintaining power and status in their group friends
  2. "Victim"
    1. "Weaker" than the "bully" in physical size or social status,
    2. Less likely to defend themselves effectively, and/or
    3. At risk for being rejected by their peers (see Youth at Risk)
  3. Bystanders
    1. Assistants.  Assistants are children who join the ringleader bullies in their aggressive acts. For example, they too engage in the jeering, poking, or teasing.
    2. Reinforcers.  Reinforcers provide positive feedback to bullies without taking active part in the episode (e.g., they laugh, cheer, or provide other forms of support).
    3. Outsiders.  Outsiders withdraw from the interaction and say nothing; they support neither the bully, assistants, nor the victim.
    4. Defenders.  Defenders stand up to the bullies, and/or provide aid and comfort to the victim.

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