Do it my way or else

If the law is not adequate in dealing with the breadth of this phenomenon then we must seek answers elsewhere. The two key questions are:

1. What causes bullying behaviours?

2. How can these behaviours be modified?

Self-Esteem and Powerlessness:

When people don't feel good about themselves they can react in many different ways, including bullying behaviours. If you feel powerless you need to exert power over others to feel good about yourself. You build up your own self-image by having others conform to your norms and look out anyone who rebels.

Often the authoritarian father, boss or community leader who cannot handle opposition is looking to justify themselves by the power they exert over others. Bullying is a way of getting and holding onto power and, as we have seen recently, many national leaders practice it and usually to the detriment of their country.

From feelings of disempowerment or being wronged by another can also come revenge, in which bullying takes a key role.

"My mother wouldn't let me have a chocolate bar at the supermarket so I screamed and cried until she gave it to me."

"The bitch took my boyfriend and now she is going to suffer."

"My community doesn't give stuff about me – no work, no training and no welfare payments - so I'll just take what I should."

"I'm not going to speak to my mother again or let her contact her grandchildren until she apologises."

Bullying behaviours often attract other people with similar dispositions. This combination can create gangs seeking a sense of empowerment in their community. How can bullying behaviours be modified, as members of families, education institutions, work and community groups?