Indicators that a child is bullying

Physical indicators

• Using physical strength/physical presence to intimidate, influence and impress other pupils.
• Being overtly physical and confrontational with adults and peers.
• Seeking approval from peers, possibly older ones, by using physical violence as a means of expression.

Emotional indicators

• Refusal/inability to empathize with others.
• Desire to be in control. Pupils who bully often display a need to be in charge of events and an inability to share leadership or work co-operatively with others. They may be able to work with others, but only on their terms.
• Inability/refusal to accept responsibility for actions. In a bullying situation, they often express the opinion that the responsibility for bullying lies with the victim, that it is his/her fault for being weak or not standing up for him or herself.
• A tendency to relate to others in a negative way, e.g. persistently making negative comments about other people’s appearance, intelligence, ability, family, behaviour, etc.

Behavioural indicators

• Professing an exaggerated high self-opinion. Many young people who bully have a low self-esteem and bully in order to exert their will over others and give themselves a sense of power and superiority. They often brag about their exploits and abilities to cover a low sense of self-worth.
• Professing indifference for areas and activities in which they do not excel. This may involve ridiculing other children and young people who have strengths in these areas.

Once again, a pupil who shows one or more of these indicators is not necessarily bullying, but they are displaying and supporting behaviours and attitudes that impact on other pupils and themselves in a negative way. It is important that individual teaching staff and the school community as a whole challenge these behaviours and attitudes, both directly (through conversations with the pupil in question) and indirectly (through teaching practice and the content of lessons).

Many of the indicators listed above regarding those children and young people being bullied and bullying, may also be indicative of young people experiencing abuse at the hands of an adult. If, for any reason, you suspect that a young person in your care, in your school or who attends your youth club, is a victim of abuse as a result of following up on indicators that you have observed, or if the they disclose abuse to you then you must act in accordance with your Child Protection Policy.

Source: http://www.beatbullying.org/dox/help/indicators-that-a-child-is-bullying.html