“In the weeks leading up to the violent encounter, there were signs that the dispute between the boys went beyond typical bullying.” The New York Times, June 18, 2014 Signs of Trouble Preceded Fatal Stabbing at Bronx School

Nearly all of the studies done on the effects of bullying focus on the harmful effects it has on victims, and on the prevention of the bullying in the first place. But in New York City this week we have an incident involving the killing of a bully by a victim. News reports describe intense bullying of the killer. Supposedly the bully ran in a pack who increasingly sought to scare, intimidate and hurt the killer and his family. So now we see a new side – vengeance!

It is not surprising that such an incident occurred. After all, being bullied usually leads to a state of impotent rage with the impotence leading the way to depression, demoralization and even self-destruction. But the rage exists and, in some, this will surface and sometimes it will be acted on, as it was here. I expect that the headlines and efforts will turn towards helping victims not turn to such measures. And, of course there is the fear that the supporters of such revenge tactics might take this up as a good thing, and we might see a return to some vigilante-like activities as we have before.

Our goal must be to keep our focus on prevention in the first place. The complex phenomenon of bullying must remain our focus with particular emphasis placed on organizing and improving anti-bullying messages and programs in schools and communities. Only in that way will the tragic lives of bullies and their victims ever get under control.

DISCLAIMER
Information contained in this blog is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical or psychiatric advice for individual conditions or treatment and does not substitute for a medical or psychiatric examination. A psychiatrist must make a determination about any treatment or prescription. Dr. Paul does not assume any responsibility or risk for the use of any information contained within this blog.