FAU developmental psychologist Brett Laursen found that many adolescent bullies have derisive, or mocking, parents. These parents respond to their children with criticism, sarcasm, put-downs, and hostility. They rely on physical and emotional coercion to obtain compliance, fostering dysregulated anger in their children.

Dysregulated anger results in negative emotions, verbal and physical aggression, and hostility. Children with dysregulated anger are at greater risk of becoming bullies and bully-victims—bullies that are victimized by other bullies. “Parents’ belittling and critical interactions with adolescents thwart their ability to maintain positive relationships with peers,” says Laursen.

• Brett Laursen