Question

How does peer pressure play into bullying and how is bullying different today than it was 20 years ago?

Answer 1

Peer pressure can impact bullying behavior in several ways. A peer group’s bullying behavior may encourage others to poke fun at someone or view certain individuals as not worthy to be part of their group. The impact of negative peer pressure can create environments in which individuals are intimidated to speak out on behalf of someone being hurt or harmed. Pressures to bully others often start with a pack mentality and in the recent years have become particularly prevalent online. We see several instances today where children will pressure or encourage others to cyberbully. This can include pressures to participate in everything from online hate lists to mean social media posts.