Bullying rarely happens out of nowhere - even when violent kids don't understand it, there's usually a goal they want to achieve.
A study from the University of California, Davis, reveals that teenage bullies often use aggression strategically to climb the social hierarchy within their school, challenging the notion that bullying is solely a reaction to psychological issues or negative home environments.
The research indicates that these actions are not necessarily directed at vulnerable individuals, but often at friends or acquaintances who are seen as rivals for social status.
A study on aggressive kids
Unlike traditional definitions of bullying, which focus on power imbalance, the study suggests that aggression can boost the aggressor's social standing.
The study found that teens who were friends during one part of the school year were more likely to engage in bullying behavior later in the year.
Similarly, classmates who shared mutual friends, even if they weren't close themselves, were also more likely to bully each other.
This dynamic, known as the "frenemy effect," extends beyond animosity between former friends who drifted apart.
The research also suggests that many anti-bullying programs have limited success because aggression often leads to social rewards, making it difficult to change the behavior of popular bullies.
To address this, the study proposes promoting stronger adolescent friendships through activities like extracurricular programs and camps, which could reduce the competitive pursuit of popularity and the resulting aggression.
