Kids Awareness Series

Bullies are not necessarily just children. Adolescents and adults alike can also be bullies. Bullying behaviors can be detrimental to those around us, as bullying really does have long-term effects on children and on adults. Here are a few quick questions to consider in determining whether or not you are a bully. Of course, no one ever wants to think that they are a bully, but answer the following questions to see.

1.) Do you like to tease or taunt those around you?
2.) Do you pick on animals or kids/adults that are smaller than you or that you have power over?
3.) If you do tease people, do you enjoy seeing them upset?
4.) Do you tend to blame others for things that seem to go wrong in your life?
5.) Do you get angry alot and stay angry for long periods of time?
6.) Do you get jealous or mad when those around you succeed at something?
7.) Do you laugh and think it is funny when people around you make mistakes?
8.) Do you like to destroy other people’s possessions?
9.) If you play a game do you have to win?
10.)If you lose at something, do you worry about what others will think of you?
11.) Do you want others to think that you are toughest or best at everything?
12. Do you take revenge on people that hurt you?

If you answered yes to one or two of these questions, then you may be on your way to becoming a bully. If you answered yes to three or more of these questions, then you probably are already a bully and need to find a way to change the way you are acting. Bullies can deal with their feelings and work through these behaviors. Remember, no one likes a bully really and most people go out of their way to avoid them at all costs. If you need help in changing your behavior, there are alot of people out there that can help you and are available to help you change if you want to!!

Adapted from Bullies are a Pain in the Brain, copyright 1997 by Trevor Romain.