Why do bullies pick on certain people?

Carmen answers questions for the PacerKidsAgainstBullying.org

Dear Carmen,
Why do bullies pick on certain people?
– Davina, 5th grade

Dear Davina,
This is such an interesting question and one that unfortunately doesn’t have a perfect answer. We don’t always know why people bully or why they pick certain people to bully because bullying can happen to anyone. The best answer I can give you is to tell you the most common reasons why a person might be chosen as a bullying target. (While you’re reading this please know that even if someone has these risk factors, it doesn’t mean they will be bullied.)

A person might be more of a bullying target if they:

Are seen as physically different from others (overweight/underweight, wearing glasses or hearing aids, wearing the wrong” clothes, having a disability that makes them talk or walk differently)
Are seen as weak or not able to fight back
Are less popular and don’t have many friends
Are depressed, anxious, or have low self-esteem
Don’t get along well with others or are seen as annoying
Remember: no one deserves to be bullied, no matter what they look or act like. I hope that you will spread that message at your school and help make it a welcoming place for everybody!

Carmen