According to several research studies, there are two kinds of adolescents that are involved in bullying which includes individuals who victimize others (bullies) and the individuals that are targets of such behavior (victims) (VCE, 2002). Adolescents that take part in bullying behaviors usually feel a need to be authoritative and in control and they feel a sense of fulfillment after they inflict injury and suffering on others. They usually do not feel guilt from any of their actions and they tend to displace blame onto the other person when they are asked to defend their actions. (FAS, 2000).

Researchers have identified two factors which play a role in bullying problems and they are family and individual factors (CCFJS, 1996). The family life and the disciplinary actions used in the home can be a great predictor if the child will grow up to be an aggressive individual. An adolescent’s aggressive behavior can stem from the lack of a loving environment at home and also if the parents endorse physical punishment and/or verbal abuse as a form of discipline; this can teach an adolescent that the way to handle problems is by physically and verbally abusing other people. An example of aggressive behavior in the home may include physical and verbal aggression towards the adolescent or physical and verbal aggression amongst the parents (CCFJS, 1996). In addition, some individual factors that can lead to aggressive and bully-like behavior can include an adolescent’s personality and how they interact with other people. Bullies appear to have little anxiety, a strong self-esteem, hot-headedness, they are easily frustrated, they cannot conform well to rules and they have a need to be centre of attention. Male adolescents, although it is uncommon, who have more physical strength compared to their peers are also more likely to be take part in bullying behaviors (CCFJS, 1996). Adolescents that engage in frequent bullying actions are at high risk for developing anti-social behaviors such as having criminal convictions in adulthood (CARRN, 2004). Furthermore, beliefs about bullying can develop into other peer relationship problems and/or other forms of aggression such as sexual harassment, dating aggression, workplace harassment, child abuse and elder abuse (CARRN, 2004).