Power Imbalance: Bullying in Schools

At the heart of bullying lies one simple truth , power imbalance. It’s what gives the bully control and leaves the victim feeling helpless. Whether it’s physical strength, popularity, or social influence, bullies use power as a weapon.

In schools, this power imbalance shows up in many ways. It could be an older student teasing a younger one, a popular group excluding someone quiet, or even a teacher ignoring complaints because the bully is “well-behaved.” Whatever the case, the result is the same , one person feels small, while another feels powerful.

Power isn’t always physical. It can also be emotional or social. A student who spreads rumours or controls who’s “in” or “out” holds social power. Sometimes, this kind of control hurts more than a punch. Victims may begin to believe they truly deserve to be treated badly, reinforcing the imbalance.

Breaking that imbalance requires a culture shift. Schools need to be places where respect and kindness are valued more than status or popularity. Teachers play a huge role in this. When they intervene early, when they praise kindness as much as academic success, they teach students that empathy is strength.

Students, too, have power. The bystanders who choose to speak up instead of staying silent are the ones who can truly shift the balance. When even one person stands with a victim, the bully loses control.

Real strength isn’t about control, it’s about courage and compassion. When schools teach that lesson, power is no longer something to fear, but something to use for good.