Final answer:
Children who are passive and socially awkward with social anxiety are at an increased risk for bullying. Bullies target those who are emotionally reactive or different in some way. Age-specific developmental stages also play a role in how children handle bullying and peer interactions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Children who are passive and socially awkward, and suffer from overwhelming social anxiety, may exhibit negative expectations about interactions with peers and worry about being ridiculed or attacked. These characteristics can unfortunately make them more susceptible to bullying at school. Bullies often target children who are emotionally reactive as they can easily provoke an emotional response. Children who stand out due to their size, cognitive capabilities, race, ethnicity, or sexual orientation might be at greater risk. Furthermore, social and emotional development at different ages influences how children cope with bullying and peer interactions.
For example, children between the ages of six to ten tend to be sensitive to peer acceptance, and their self-esteem can be greatly affected by their social relations. Playing in peer groups becomes more important, and how they are treated by their peers can have a significant impact on their overall well-being. Understanding this can help parents, teachers, and guardians to provide better support and create environments that foster healthy social development and protect children from potential bullying.