10 Types of Kids Most Likely To Be Bullied

Have you ever wondered why some kids are bullied and others are not? Discover the most common reasons why some kids are targeted.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Ann-Louise T Lockhart, PsyD, ABPPMedically reviewed by Dr. Ann-Louise T Lockhart, PsyD, ABPP

There are many reasons why a kid may be bullied. While bullying is a reflection of the kid doing the bullying, not the victim, it can be helpful for parents and caregivers to understand how certain characteristics may make a kid more likely to be targeted.

This knowledge can help you understand different types of bullying, be more aware of why kids are bullied, and be vigilant in protecting your child. Here's what to know about how bullies choose their targets and what characteristics might make a kid more likely to be bullied.

Why Certain Kids Are More Likely To Get Bullied

A kid can be bullied for just about any reason (or seemingly no specific reason at all). Anything from personality or physical differences to being in the wrong place at the wrong time can put a kid in the line of fire. What's more, anyone can be a target of bullying, even seemingly strong, athletic, and popular kids.

However, certain characteristics might increase a child's chances of getting bullied. It's important to remember that these children aren't doing anything wrong and don't need to change to avoid bullying. Bullying is about the wrong choice the bully makes, not some perceived defect in the target. What kids and parents can do is develop strategies to prevent bullying if it takes place.

Types of Kids Who Often Get Bullied

The responsibility for bullying always falls on the bully's shoulders, not the victim's. Nonetheless, several types of kids are often the target of bullies. These are characteristics or attributes that might make becoming a target more likely.

Successful kids

Kids who are good at what they do might get bullied. A lot of times kids will be bullied because they get a lot of positive attention from their peers and from adults. This attention could be anything from excelling in sports to making the cheerleading squad to getting the editor position on the school newspaper.

Bullies often target these students because they either feel inferior or they worry that the target’s abilities are overshadowing their abilities. As a result, they bully these kids hoping to make them feel insecure and make others doubt their abilities.

Intelligent, determined, and creative kids

At school, these students go the extra mile, or they learn very quickly and move through assignments faster than other students. For instance, gifted students are often targeted for excelling in school and may be derided for being "nerds." Bullies may single them out because they are jealous of this attention or feel lacking in comparison.

Vulnerable kids

Children who are introverted, anxious, or submissive are more likely to be bullied than kids who are extroverted and assertive. Some researchers believe that kids who lack self-esteem may attract kids who are prone to bullying. What's more, kids who engage in people-pleasing are often targeted by bullies because they are easy to manipulate.

Research shows that kids who have mental health conditions like depression may also be more likely to be bullied, which often makes the condition worse. Bullies select these kids because they are an easy mark and less likely to fight back. Most bullies want to feel powerful, so they often choose kids who are weaker than them.

Isolated kids

Many victims of bullying tend to have fewer friends than children who do not experience bullying. They may be rejected by their peers, excluded from social events, or may even spend lunch and recess alone.

Research shows that if a child has at least one friend, their chances of being bullied are reduced dramatically. More isolated kids are more likely to be targeted by bullies who don't have to worry about someone coming to their target's aid.

Popular kids

Sometimes bullies target popular or well-liked children because of the threat they pose to the bully. A lot of relational aggression is directly linked to an attempt to climb the social ladder. Kids will spread rumors, engage in name-calling, and even resort to cyberbullying to destroy their popularity. When these kids are targeted, the bully is looking to discredit the victims and make them less likable.

Kids with a distinctive physical appearance

Almost any type of physical characteristic that is different or unique can attract the attention of bullies. They might wear glasses or have acne, a large nose, small feet, or ears that stick out. It really doesn't matter what it is, the bully will pick a feature and distort it into a target.

Many times, this type of bullying is extremely painful and damaging to a young person's self-esteem. Most bullies who target these kids get some enjoyment from making fun of others. Other times, they are looking for a laugh at another person's expense. The best way to combat a bully who targets this type of person is to take away their audience.

Kids with illnesses or disabilities

Bullies might target children with special needs. This can include children who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, Down syndrome, physical disabilities, or any condition that sets them apart. Kids with food allergies, asthma, and other conditions also can be targeted by bullies. When this happens, the bully shows a lack of empathy and may joke at another person's expense.

Teachers and parents need to make sure these kids have a support group with them to help defend against bullying. It also helps if the general student population frowns on this type of bullying in particular. If bullies know this is taboo, they are less likely to do it.

Kids with different gender identities or sexual orientations

Depending on the communities they live in, kids can be bullied for their sexual orientation or gender identification. If left unchecked, prejudicial bullying can result in serious hate crimes. As a result, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ+) students must be given a solid support network to keep them safe.

Kids with different religious beliefs or cultural heritage

It's not uncommon for kids to be bullied for their religious beliefs, especially if the religion is represented by a minority of kids in the population. Bullying based on different religious beliefs usually stems from a lack of understanding as well as a lack of tolerance for believing something different.

Kids of different races

Sometimes kids will bully others because they are of a different race. It happens with all races and in all directions. No race is exempt from being bullied, and no race is exempt from having bullies. Just like with religious bullying, these students are singled out for no other reason than the fact that they're "different."

Related: Here's What Bullying Among Teens Looks Like

How Parents Can Help Bullied Kids

Remember, bullying is about the bully making a bad choice. This must be communicated to targets of bullying. While bullies may exploit certain characteristics in their peers, these characteristics are not faults that targets should change. Bullied kids need to be reminded that there is nothing wrong with them and they are not to blame for being targeted.

As a parent or bystander, you can play an important role in stopping the bullying. If you learn that a child is being bullied, contact the child's teachers, counselor, or principal. If the bullying is happening online, consider deleting the apps where the bullying is taking place.

You can also use StopBullying.gov as a resource for learning how to respond to many types of bullying and how to stop it.

Related: 10 Social Issues and Problems That Trouble Today's Teens

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