Playground bullies earn more than socially awkward children and enjoy high-flying careers, research suggests
- Research shows that behavioral problems were linked to higher earnings
While it might be hoped that playground bullies will lead sad, lonely lives, the opposite appears to be the case.
Research shows that children who were aggressive at school tended to take up high-paying, high-paying careers, while children who were perceived as more socially awkward or emotionally vulnerable went on to earn less.
The University of Essex’s finding is based on the results of a survey of almost 7,000 people born in 1970 whose lives were followed by the British Cohort Study.
Researchers examined data from primary school teachers who assessed children’s social and emotional skills when they were ten years old in 1980, and linked them to their lives at age 46 in 2016.
Report author Professor Emilia Del Bono said: ‘We were surprised to find a strong link between aggressive behavior at school and higher earnings later in life.
Research shows that children who were aggressive at school tended to take up high-flying, high-paying careers (Stock Image)
Children who were considered more socially awkward or emotionally vulnerable earned less, according to the study
“It’s possible that our classrooms are competitive places and that children adapt to win that competition with aggression, then carry that into the workplace where they continue to compete aggressively for the highest-paying jobs.”
She warned parents against buying into the message that bullying is okay, and that the findings highlight the need to help children who are victimized on the playground to ensure they continue to fulfill their potential.
“I guess (it means) encouraging your child to stand their ground, rather than be aggressive,” she said.
The research team found that behavioral problems in children – such as angry outbursts, bullying or teasing others – were associated with an increase in income of almost 4 percent, measured in 2016.
This compared with a 6 percent higher wage for people with higher cognitive skills who performed best in tests at school.
Those who were considered to have attention problems, such as not completing tasks, and emotional problems – such as being worried, anxious or fussy – subsequently earned less.
Further evidence showed that children with behavioral problems at age 16 were more social as teenagers.
However, it was also more likely that they had smoked and been arrested.