Why might a student bully?

Students who bully often share common characteristics and beliefs.

Common characteristics and beliefs

Friendship struggles, mental health issues, family violence and other traumas can have significant impact on a young person’s behaviour and capacity to manage emotions. This can sometimes lead to bullying type behaviour. Students who engage in bullying behaviour may:

be unwilling or unable to value difference
be less empathetic than other students
be preoccupied with their own goals and not concerned about the rights of others
have low levels of moral reasoning and high levels of egocentric reasoning
have poor impulse control and poor anger management skills
believe that the use of aggression is an acceptable way to achieve their own goals
be less likely to consider the negative consequences of their actions on others or on their own relationships over time.

Students who engage in bullying behaviour may also:

be less anxious than peers
have good verbal skills and ability to talk themselves out of trouble
have good leadership skills
have high self-esteem and an inflated view of themselves, especially about their social behaviour and influence.

Education & training

Updated 26 March 2026