Low self-esteem leads to bullying

BULLIES cannot associate with others emotionally, according to Bond University's Associate Professor of Criminology.

Prof Wayne Petherick's comments follow yesterday's story about a 15-year-old Tweed River High School student who has been constantly harassed and tormented.

“Bullies are actually unable to appreciate the consequences of their actions,” he said. “Bullies also tend to have low empathy; they cannot associate with others on an emotional level.”

In the most-severe incident, the victim was knocked unconscious during a science class.

“The teacher intervened immediately, first aid was applied, and the parents and ambulance were immediately called,” an Education Department spokesman said. “Overall the student and his family have received continuing support in a number of ways, for instance behaviour support for the student.”

Prof Petherick said he believed low self-esteem was a key factor of bullying, both with the perpetrator and the victim.

“Somebody with low self-esteem may become a bully to feel better.”