We usually associate bullyng with physical attacks- a big strong boy hitting a weaker one- but what most boys and girls experience is just as common children discover very early in life that the need to be liked is the most powerful means of controlling others.
There has been a tendency to consider bullying just a part of growing up, but in fact the lessons learnt in this way are rarely positive. Definitely, steps must be taken by adults- parents, teachers,school authorities- to reduce bullying.
Besides, it is not only the victims who would benefit. Bullies do not do well either. They are less likely to establish satisfactory relationships, and more likely to use violence in adult life and get into trouble with the police. Bullies are not born, they are made. They are often bullied at home, and have learnt that the way to get someone to do what they want is not to reason with them, but to threaten them. Children who witness violence also learn that bullyng behaviour is very powerful.