The Roles Kids Play in Bullying

Kids involved in bullying can take on many roles. They might bully others, be bullied, or act as bystanders who can help or even encourage the behavior. Experts sometimes describe a “circle of bullying” to explain how kids can be involved in bullying in different ways, not just as those who bully or are bullied, but also as kids who support, witness, or try to stop it.

In most cases, kids also play more than one role in bullying over time—they may be both bullying others as well as being bullied themselves, or they may witness bullying and play assisting and defending roles. It is important to note the multiple roles kids play, because:

• All kids involved can be affected by it in different ways. For example, those who are both bullied and bully others are at a higher risk of negative outcomes, like depression and suicidal ideation.
• It highlights the need to engage all kids in prevention efforts, not just those known to be directly involved.

Every situation is different, but recognizing each role can help adults take the right steps to prevent and respond to bullying.

• Importance of Not Labeling Kids
• Kids Directly Involved in Bullying
• Kids Who Are Bystanders to Bullying

Kids Directly Involved in Bullying

We most commonly talk about kids who are directly involved in bullying. These direct roles include:

• Kids who Bully: These children engage in bullying behavior toward their peers. Many risk factors may contribute to a child's involvement in bullying. Often, these students require support to change their behavior and address challenges influencing their behavior.
• Kids who are Bullied: These children are the targets of bullying behavior. Some factors put children at more risk of being bullied, but not all children with these characteristics will be bullied. Sometimes, these children may need help learning how to respond to bullying.

Kids Who Are Bystanders to Bullying

Even if a child is not directly involved in bullying, they can still play a role. Research estimates that witnesses are present in about 85% of bullying scenarios. These kids may contribute to the behavior, whether they mean to or not. However, they also have the power to step in and help stop it, so all students need to know what to do if they see bullying happen. Roles kids play when they witness bullying include:

• Kids who Assist: These children may not start or lead the bullying behavior, but they do participate in and help the child who is bullying.
• Kids who Reinforce: These children contribute to bullying by giving it a supportive audience. They will often laugh or show other signs of approval for those engaging in bullying, which may encourage the bullying to continue.
• Onlookers: These children watch the bullying but don’t get involved. They may not mean to cause harm, but staying silent or passive can still give the behavior an audience and make it more likely to continue. These kids often want to help, but don’t know how. Learn how to be "more than a bystander."
• Kids who Defend: These children actively comfort the child being bullied and may come to their defense when bullying happens. Studies show that when kids do step in to defend a peer, they can stop the bullying or prevent future instances. Kids can do this safely by questioning the behavior, using humor to redirect the conversation, or getting a trusted adult.

All those directly and indirectly involved in bullying, even those who are just onlookers, can be negatively impacted by it. Help is available. The 988 Lifeline is a free resource that provides judgment-free support for mental health struggles, emotional distress, or even if you just need someone to talk to. Support from parents, caregivers, and trusted adults can also help kids who are involved in bullied.