1. Bullies have no understanding of the impact of their behaviors.

When Dylan Klebold and Eric Harris killed 13 people at their Columbine High School in Colorado in 1999, there was an effort to make sense out of this senseless act. Initial speculation (which proved to be false) was that their murder rampage was the result of being the victims of bullying.

A few years later, Erika Harold, Miss America of 2003, disclosed her personal trauma with being a bullying victim in high school, and became an eloquent spokesperson for kids who suffered in silence while adults ignored their plight.

We’ve gone from ignoring a very serious problem to misunderstanding it. Today, rude or inappropriate remarks often get mischaracterized as “bullying.” A teen recently told me that she was being bullied. The so-called bullying consisted of some kids making fun of her makeup for a few days at school.

Ridiculing anyone isn’t right, but it’s not bullying. Here are the three criteria used by experts to understand bullying.

First, there needs to be some intent to cause harm.

Second, there needs to be a power imbalance between individuals,

such as an older child ridiculing a younger person. Bullying often involves someone with a great deal of social status abusing someone who is perceived to be different and inferior.

Finally, bullying has to occur over several months.

When we mischaracterize rudeness and vulgarity as bullying, we diminish the importance of this serious type of emotional abuse. We’ve taken bullying seriously because we’ve finally recognized that it has a severe impact on kids.

Most of our efforts have been to identify and protect the victims, but what about the bullies? Doesn’t it make more sense to treat the offenders as well? These kids often have little appreciation of the hurt and harm that results from their actions. They are socially inept insofar as they can’t anticipate the consequences of their actions.

2. Bullies don’t care about the impact of their behaviors.

Even when they are aware of their impact, bullies don’t change their actions. They simply don’t care. Bullying is all about power, those who have it abusing those who don’t. Relationships are not mutually satisfying, but rather a way to achieve status and attention.

3. Bullies don’t obey the rules.

These kids often violate expectations at school and home. They may commit acts of juvenile delinquency or get suspended for destroying property, stealing or hurting others.

Left untreated, young bullies grow up to be older bullies. Let’s get help at an early age for these disturbed and disturbing kids.

Next week:

Mental health of premature babies

Dear Heloise:

Iam going on a first trip in a few weeks with my 2-year old. I am a bit stressed out. Do you have any hints on childproofing a hotel room?

— Emily from Florida

I sure do. As you know by now, children are curious. A hotel room is a new place for them to

Preventing guacamole from turning brown:

Q. What do you put into mashed-up avocado so it doesn’t turn brown?

a. an avocado pit or