What makes a kid become a bully and why?

Answer 1

The reasons vary. Often, they feel insecure about themselves. Sometimes they feel superior to others and like to see others suffer since it makes them feel powerful. They may have a personal problem or be overweight, and others tease or bully them. Then they, in turn, take it out on others.

It is common for people to judge in others what is present in themselves and to project self-hate onto other people. So those with severe self-hate around an issue may take it out on others, and often with violence. They may figure that as long as they are attacking that trait in others, everyone else will ignore it in them or assume they don't have that trait. This is a common thread in gay-bashing.

Sometimes they may have abusive parents. Not all with abusive parents become bullies though. Sometimes those with abusive parents just give up inside or act in ways that draw attention from bullies. Some have no parents or just don't feel close to their parents, and feel they must fend for themselves, and if they must step on others to get their way, then it is fair game, since nobody is there for them. Then there are those with parents who bully others, and the bullies learn it from them. The parents with bullysome traits themselves often shower their children with affection and give them the message that they are special and can do no wrong, and that other children are beneath them.

Some of the tendencies toward bullying are variations of normal behaviors and basic human nature. Most desire to be accepted, and most people want to feel a little bit of power in situations and over others. Most people have a competitive streak. So it may be tempting to make fun of another if it causes others to accept you more, or you at least feel a little power over another out of it. It may be tempting to bully a rival as a form of resentment and/or to throw them off of their game.