In this episode, we’re reading Chapter 3 of Why Is Everybody Always Picking on Me? . We take a closer look at the roles kids step into during bullying situations. Rather than seeing bullying as a simple “good vs. bad” issue, we explore how both the bully and the victim are often responding to fear in different ways.

We talk about how these roles aren’t usually chosen on purpose. They develop over time as kids try to protect themselves, either by gaining control or by avoiding conflict.

This episode also looks at the influence of family, school environments, friendships, and media. These all shape how kids understand power, control, and relationships, often without realizing it.

At a deeper level, these behaviours connect to basic survival instincts like fight or flight. While these responses once helped humans survive, they can now show up in ways that affect how kids relate to each other.

The focus of this chapter is understanding. When kids begin to recognize the roles they’re playing, they’re better able to step out of them and respond in more thoughtful and confident ways.

Resources Mentioned:

• Read the full book ⁠Why Is Everybody Always Picking on Me?⁠
• Explore our ⁠bullying prevention and SEL programs⁠
• Sign up for the ⁠Weekly Bullying Prevention Newsletter⁠
• Join our ⁠signature online course, MAP STARS