Question

How does environment affect a child's bullying behavior? Does learned behavior play a role?

Answer 1

The environment plays a huge role in the acquisition of several behaviours, including bullying. A child may observe others, particularly those that are elder to him/her, engaging in acts of bullying and subsequently learn and carry out those behaviours. These behaviours are usually sustained by the fact that the child is reinforced in some way by the bullying. For instance, he/she maybe praised by his/her peers for the behaviour, or he/she may experience a sense of power or boost in self-confidence by such acts. These external and internal rewards would then play a vital role in bullying.