Subgroups of Bullying

In a previous blog I discussed about the four main types of individuals that exist in regards to bullying. The four main categories of individuals included: 1) Bullies 2) Victims 3) Bully/Victims and 4) Neutrals. On this occasion I will expand that discussion and include more specific roles. I will begin by defining three subgroups found within the category of “Bullies”. Then I will define two distinct subgroups found within the category of “Neutrals.”

According to Christina Salmivalli the category of “Bullies” can be divided into the following subgroups: 1) Ringleaders, 2) Followers, and 3) Reinforces.

1) Ringleaders – Refers to individuals who “[organize] a group of bullies and [initiate] the bullying.”

2) Followers – Refers to individuals who “join in the bullying once it [has] started.”

3) Reinforcers – Refers to individuals who “do not actively join in [the bullying], but reinforce more passively by watching and laughing or encouraging the bullying.”

Upon an initial glance it may be easy to point to “Ringleaders” and believe that they are the worse subgroup that exists within the category of “Bullies”. However, while it may be true that “Ringleaders” are the individuals that initiate the bullying, it does not excuse or justify the bullying behaviors exhibited by “Followers” and “Reinforcers”. In fact, it may be the case that “Followers” and “Reinforcers” play a more essential role in bullying than “Ringleaders” themselves. I highly doubt “Ringleaders” would continue to initiate and conduct their bullying behaviors if “Followers” and “Reinforcers” turned against them and frowned upon bullying. As a result, researchers should not only be focusing on creating strategies that deter “Ringleaders” from organizing bullying activities. Instead, researchers should be investigating what drives “Followers” to join the bullying and what provokes “Reinforcers” to watch or encourage bullying behaviors, instead of taking a stand against bullying behaviors and helping victims. “Ringleaders” seem to feed of the encouragement and support they obtain from “Followers” and “Reinforcers.” As a result, it may be the case that addressing “Followers” and “Reinforcers” is the best course of action to take within the strategy of diminishing bullying.

Christina Salmivalli also divides the category of “Neutrals” into the subgroups of: 1) Outsiders and 2) Defenders.

1) Outsiders - Refers to individuals who “are completely non-involved [in bullying].”

2) Defenders - Refers to individuals who “help the [victims of bullying], get help, or tell the bullies to stop.”

Although it is not initially apparent, “Outsiders” and “Defenders” could play key roles in reducing bullying. If “Outsiders” stepped in and helped victims of bullying, then perhaps overall bullying would significantly diminish. As a result, I believe researchers should spend some time focusing on discovering what might encourage “Outsiders” to take action and help victims of bullying, instead of simply ignoring the problem as if it does not exist. In essence, researchers should focus on figuring out how “Outsiders” can be transformed into “Defenders”.

Source: “The causes and nature of bullying and social exclusion in schools” by Maria el Mar Badia Martin