: The victim begins to internalize the bully's criticisms, believing they deserve the treatment they receive.
Boys’ bully bonding often manifests physically or through competitive humiliation. A group of boys might bond by relentlessly teasing a less athletic peer during gym class, giving him demeaning nicknames, or “pranking” him in ways that cause genuine distress. The shared laughter and adrenaline create a sense of camaraderie that feels, to the perpetrators, indistinguishable from friendship. bully bonding
Programs that focus on empathy training can help bullies understand the impact of their actions. However, these must be paired with structured activities that foster positive bonding experiences. : The victim begins to internalize the bully's
While the immediate target of bullying suffers the most obvious harms—anxiety, depression, lowered self-worth, and even physical illness—bully bonding damages everyone involved, including the bullies themselves. The shared laughter and adrenaline create a sense
"Guidance counselor switched me," Marcus said, prying out a bent clamp of metal. "Said I needed 'academic rigor.' Whatever that means."
If you realize that your closest friendships or work relationships are built on bully bonding, you have a difficult but liberating choice.