Digital Smarts - Taking a Look at the Why of Bullying

A recent article from the BBC states that as researchers continue to consider the reasons children bully their peers, they are finding more and more frequently that there is more than just one type of bully. The stereotype that all bullies are aggressive with self-esteem issues is too simplistic, researchers say, and the mentality of bullying is much more complex. Aside from the blunt and open aggressor, another more Machiavellian kind of bullying has come to be recognized. Children who fall into this category tend to have better social skills, are often charismatic and liked by teachers – far from the “oafish” stereotype of bullies. Crucially, these children can turn on and off their bullying to suit his or her needs – and, of course, anonymous cyberbullying fits this modus operandi perfectly.