Anger Management and Bullying: Helping Children Cope with Emotions.

Understanding the Link Between Anger and Bullying

Uncontrolled anger often lies at the heart of bullying behaviour.
This page looks at the link between anger and bullying and offers practical steps to help children recognise and manage their emotions. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or young person looking for answers, this guide can help build emotional resilience and reduce conflict preventing bullying through anger management. 

Understanding and Dealing with Anger in Children and Young People

😡 What Is Anger?

🔸 1. Anger is a natural emotion

Everyone feels anger. Psychologists call it a secondary emotion—it often follows fear, frustration, embarrassment, or rejection. These feelings build pressure, which can explode as anger.

🔸 2. Anger is instinctive

It’s part of the body’s survival system. In the past, it protected us from danger. Today, it kicks in when we feel disrespected, cornered, or emotionally threatened.

🔸 3. Anger changes the body

Adrenaline surges. Heart rate rises. We might shake, sweat, cry, or feel dizzy. These reactions start in seconds—but take time to calm down.

🔸 4. Anger can be helpful—or harmful

Used well, anger sparks positive change. Left unmanaged, it fuels conflict, aggression, or deep regret. Teaching anger management gives young people better tools.

🔸 5. Everyone shows anger differently

Some explode, some go silent. Anger can be loud—or invisible, like sulking or withdrawing. Both need attention and support.

🧠 Anger Management and Bullying: Recognising Anger in Children

Check for the physical and emotional signs of childhood aggression and identify early warning signals.

🔹 Identify Triggers

Help students recognise what sets them off. Use role-play or a sorting game to rank common triggers like being teased, left out, or misunderstood.

🔹 Understand Physical Signs

Teach students how anger feels in the body:

• Racing heart
• Sweaty palms
• Hot face
• Trouble concentrating

By noticing these early signals, they can act before anger takes control.

🔹 Effective Anger Management and Bullying Strategies for Kids

Introduce simple ways to calm down:

• Count to ten
• Go for a run or kick a ball
• Take deep breaths
• Lie down in a quiet space
• Squeeze a stress ball
• Walk away and return later
• Listen to calming music

Help students figure out what works for them and encourage regular use.

🛠️ Schools and Youth Groups: Extra Anger Management and Bullying Tools

Mix and match techniques that suit different needs:

• Deep breathing exercises
• Movement (stretching, walking, jumping)
• Fidget or tactile tools
• Plans to exit conflict calmly

These reduce tension and give children control in high-stress moments.

🧘 Inspiring Quotes About Anger

“For every minute you remain angry, you give up sixty seconds of peace of mind.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Anger is an acid that can do more harm to the vessel in which it is stored than to anything on which it is poured.”
— Mark Twain

“Speak when you are angry and you will make the best speech you will ever regret.”
— Ambrose Bierce

“Anger is like a storm rising up from the bottom of your consciousness. When you feel it coming, turn your focus to your breath.”
— Thich Nhat Hanh

“Anger doesn’t solve anything. It builds nothing, but it can destroy everything.”
— Lawrence Douglas Wilder

Additional Resources and Support

Anger and bullying can have a lasting impact on a child’s emotional wellbeing. Support exists across the UK for parents, carers, and educators looking to help children develop healthier coping mechanisms. Whether your child shows signs of emotional distress or you’re seeking professional guidance, these trusted organisations offer valuable resources, advice, and practical help:

• YoungMinds – Anger in Children – Advice for parents on managing anger in children and spotting underlying mental health issues

• Place2Be – Mental Health Support in Schools – Offers counselling and emotional support for children in UK primary and secondary schools

• Childline – Coping with Anger – Free, confidential support for children dealing with anger, stress, or bullying

• Family Lives – Dealing with Bullying – Guidance for families on preventing bullying and supporting victims

• NSPCC – Bullying and Cyberbullying – How to spot the signs, talk to children, and get help

In addition check out our Resources page for more help to tackle bullying and our kindness campaign leaflets!