The bullies in the busI can say that a problem like that indicates family issues whenever a kid picks on another kid and becomes the bully, it is because either their parents just divorced or dad is hitting mom or both are hitting him/her, make a trauma into that kid who thinks being aggressive or violence is the solution for everything.
So parents should start paying more attention to their kids and should avoid any kind of violence or abuse.
We can lose track of this fact. Our bullies may need help and support as much as their victims. Bullies are much less attractive students than their victims. They usually have racked up piles of disciplinary referrals by high school. They have often mouthed off to teachers, the Dean, and other administrators. I’ve known a few with the temerity to cuss out the Principal. But these kids are mostly wounded kids. They can’t hit back at home so they hit back at school or on the bus.
Bullies should be seeing school counselors and social workers regularly if they cannot be referred for outside psychological help. And when dealing with the troublesome kids, my former student’s observations are worth keeping in mind. Our bullies sometimes respond well to a helpful listener who cares about their troubles. A little kindness can go a long way toward shutting down bullying.
Mean behavior does not come out of nowhere. In kids, mean behavior does not become a habit or way of life for years. Those kids who are making life miserable for other kids on the bus? They need intensive interventions and help developing coping strategies as soon as their bullying attempts come to light.