There are many reasons that students participate in bullying, whether it is face-to-face or online, but the reasons generally fall into one of five categories.  Knowing why a student bullies helps you to develop strategies to help them and their victims deal with their problem.

1) Abuse at home: Students my come from an abusive home where they are constantly bullied. They my be unhappy and as a result act out by bullying.  The student my not have remorse or shame about the bullying, because they have been taught that this is the way people deal with one another.

2) School culture:  Some schools ignore bullying and as a result, the practice is wide spread. In this environment, the bully may even be rewarded by the approval of his or her peers.

3) Prejudice:  Again, this is bullying that is the result of something that is learned at home.  Schools need to have programs in place the fights prejudice and encourages respect for diversity.

4) Sexual Prejudice:  This usually takes the form of boys bullying girls, but can also be boys bulling boys who display weakness or characteristics considered girlish.

5) It's Fun:  Students form cliques and often make fun of or bully people outside of their group, because they think it is fun.  Often, they have little or no idea how hurtful their conduct is to the victim.