The Top Reasons Why People Bully

By: Stephanie Kirby

Updated June 16, 2021

Medically Reviewed By: April Brewer , DBH, LPC

When you hear the word "bully," there is probably someone who comes to mind. Bullies intimidate others verbally, mentally, emotionally, and sometimes physically. Dealing with someone who bullies is something most people have been forced to do at least once in their life. When you understand why the person acts this way, it can help you know how to stop them.

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Bullying isn't just something that happens at school. There are bullies at every stage of life. Bullying is something that you can experience within your family. Even bullying at work can happen. While it is common for some children who are bullies to eventually learn their lessons and grow out of this behavior, others become adults and continue to act in the same inappropriate way. So why do people bully? There's no easy, cut-and-dry answer for this question, but we'll discuss the following reasons in this article:

• Feeling insecure
• Feeling powerless
• Needing to control
• Being rewarded for this behavior

You Can Overcome the Effects of Bullying

Bullying is life-changing for those who are targeted. When you're bullied, it affects your self-esteem, and it causes social problems as well. Depression and teen suicide are higher among those who experience bullying. Finding the right counselor or therapist is the best way to learn how to deal with someone who bullies and the problems they cause.

But those who bully need therapy as much as those who have been bullied. A good therapist can address the reasons behind this behavior, helping them to change their destructive habits. There are many reasons for bullying, and all of them are troubling from a mental health point of view. Early intervention and therapy make a big difference in their behavior. Along the way, they can learn to better relate socially to others.

Reasons People Bully

Insecurity and Feeling Powerless

For many, it seems impossible or at least highly unlikely that the person who does the bullying feels insecure or powerless. How can someone who feels that way bully others? The truth is that insecurity doesn't make an individual shy and reserved. It simply means they're not happy with themselves. When an individual feels this way, they may engage in bullying to bring others down to their perceived level.

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Similarly, when an individual feels powerless in their own life, it may trigger bullying. The person feels powerful when intimidating others. This is why many children from dysfunctional homes engage in bullying. Someone who struggles with feeling insecure is afraid of appearing weak in front of others. To hide their own weakness, they do their best to find and expose weakness in someone else. This is all to take the attention off of themselves and make themselves feel better by acting more powerful than others. Again, this explanation (and the others below) are not meant to excuse bullying – which is inexcusable – but is meant to explain it. When we understand something, we are more equipped to change it.

The Need to Control

The need to control is one of the top reasons why people bully, and there can be many reasons why a person needs to feel more in control. Some people engage in bullying to gain control of their surroundings. For example, they may have no control over the way they are treated at home. Alternatively, they may have issues with anxiety.

Bullying is Rewarded

Bullying behavior is often rewarding because the person who does it gets what they want. Every time a person who bullies wins and succeeds in getting what they want, it reinforces their behavior. When they control and intimidate others, they usually achieve what they set out to do: intimidate and control. Bullies can also have their behavior rewarded if others encourage them and join in. This gives them the attention they desire.

How to Stop Bullying

The top reasons why people bully may not seem like good enough reasons for intimidating and controlling others, but they are the main triggers for this type of behavior. The only way to stop others from bullying you is to learn how to deal with it effectively. Here are some strategies you can use to put an end to bullying.

• Take a stand - This advice works regardless of your age. People who bully tend to prey on people who are perceived as weaker than they are. When you show them that you are confident and that their tactics aren't working, you steal their power and cause them to lose control. Because the person who bullies is already self-conscious, they're likely to become angry as you become more empowered. Eventually, they will be forced to give up once you show them that you are not going to allow their behavior to impact you.
• Have a support group - This is another tip that helps at any age. Bullies often act alone, and they don't want to take on an entire group. If you have a good group of friends who you can lean on for support, it might cause the person who’s bullying you to think twice. This is effective on the playground with young children, and it works with adults in an office setting as well.
• Stay neutral - This can be hard to do when you're trying not to show emotion while you're being bullied, but if you get angry or confrontational, you will only encourage their behavior. They want to see a strong reaction. If you remain neutral and do your best to ignore the behavior, they're more likely to give up.
• Deal with it quickly - The longer they get away with bullying you, the harder it can be to get them to stop. If you take immediate action when you first experience bullying, it will send the bully a message that you're not going to stand for their behavior. They're likely to look for another target.
• Don't keep secrets - How you address this one depends on your age. If you are being bullied in school, you need to find a trusted adult to talk to. This could be a teacher, a parent, or a mentor. If you are in the workplace, then you should address the issue with your Human Resources department. Secrets have power. If you don't tell anyone you're being bullied, the effects of bullying are likely to multiply in your head and can impact you even more.

When a Professional Can Help

As mentioned above, bullying can have devastating effects on your self-esteem, confidence, and anxiety levels. If you're dealing with someone who bullies and feels like you're struggling, don't hesitate to reach out for help. Bullying should not be taken lightly. It can have serious consequences. An in-person or online counselor can help you to navigate this struggle. They can guide you as you learn to address bullying and help you to recover healthily.

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How BetterHelp Can Support You

If you've been bullied yourself, a therapist can help you learn why and how to use healthy coping tools instead. Online therapy is highly convenient because you'll have access to a therapist when you need it, so you can address the effects of bullying quickly, and from whatever place you feel comfortable in. Read the reviews below to see how BetterHelp counselors have helped others experiencing similar issues.

Counselor Reviews

"Dr. Anstadt is one of the best counselors I've ever worked with. I was working with him for almost a year and the amount of progress I made was wonderful. I made significant steps toward learning about myself and gaining confidence about myself, learning how to stand up for myself when it was right, and knowing my own limits while still striving to be better."

"Sharon Valentino has helped me through so much! Since we started working together, just a few months ago, I already feel like I have more power and control over my life. I have let go of some very painful things, I have moved away from abusive relationships, and really gaining the skills and tools I need to keep myself safe and happy. She has taught me that I have the power to control my thoughts, my anxiety, and most of all my company. I really like how direct she is, it helps me get grounded and connect to myself. I can't wait to see where I am after working with her for a year!!!"

Conclusion

Whether you're beginning to recognize bullying behaviors in yourself or you've been the victim of bullying, a therapist can help. You can learn to change your behavior and recover from the troubling effects of bullying by taking the first step today.