To think bullies and evil people never change even when they grow up?

I strongly believe people can grow and change, especially from childhood. Life can throw so many curveballs that can majorly impact the person you become. I have experienced literally life changing events - I am not the person I once was. I am kinder but sadly more fearful. And I know this is not the end - so many terrible and wonderful things could happen that will keep shaping me. The only constant in our lives is change.

“Switch to the good side” is such a black and white childlike way to think. People are complicated and act badly for a whole range of reasons. Children grow up and change.

I’m sorry childhood bullying impacted you so much. I was also bullied at school so I understand. A couple of my childhood bullies apologised in later life. The rest didn’t. One seems to still be a bit of a dick but the others seem to have moved on and be decent people. Don’t let it drag you down in adulthood.

I don't believe most people can fully change. I think lots of people can make a good job of covering up and hiding their true personality once they realise that what they do/what they say/what they think is socially unacceptable in polite adult society.

yes I am sure it is, but just as personality can fundamentally change in old age, I also have seen it fundamentally change throughout youth and adulthood too.

Completely agree with this.

YABU

I don't believe in 'evil' as a malign force.

I think some people for varying reasons do not conform to the rules of society - not even the ones about not hurting people (or animals)

Sometimes this is a developmental thing, or a product of their environment, which with help they may overcome and learn to at least mimic the rules of society, even if they don't fully understand them.

Sometimes they cannot manage this, or there is insufficient support until they have hurt people and then we have to keep people safe by removing them from society and where possible treating them.

Yes people change. Their brains weren't even fully developed at school (I think it takes until 25?). Also as we gain experience, our perspective changes. We all have the ability to change and grow.

Sadly the scars of bullying really linger and it can be hard to ever think that people who caused so much misery could change. But while some bullies don't change their ways, many do (thankfully).

Psychopaths aside, very few people are truly "evil". I think most school bullies have unhappy home lives and many have experienced abuse or neglect of some kind. Their behaviour is a response to deep unhappiness, acting out a version of what they have been subjected to. As they grow up and develop insight and understanding, of course their behaviour can change.

I disagree. People are capable of radically changing, especially as we grow older and have more life experience under our belts.

Possibly due to medical reason?

Truly evil people? No I don't believe they become good.

Kids who bully often do so for many reason. I don't believe every bully is evil. My bully was being sexually abused by her stepdad. I don't believe she is evil. I believe she was a hurt and frightened teen who took it out on someone else. In my case it was very short lived so it's easy for me to look back with sympathy for her, I know that's not the case for many.

I believe most people are capable of growth and to really change. Change also comes with experience and maturity.

I don’t think people can fundamentally change. I think they just learn the best ‘face’ to present to achieve what they want in life. Obviously acting like an evil shit as an adult in an overt way is not acceptable, so they adapt. I don’t think people truly repent, take responsibility and change. It may happen occasionally but in my experience it’s very rare.

I would also say that some lovely people can sadly change as they get older, and can be amazing at 75 and evil at 85.

people change! I have been a teacher for many decades, and some of the worst behaved kids I have ever known are now decent, caring human beings, some in influential places!

Kids have terrible judgement - that is why they are not considered adults - they grow and change

I often think this when dodgy historical social media usage is unearthed in individuals in prominent positions and their defence is that they've changed - surely one knows as a teenager not to be bigoted/racist/homophobic etc

Yes they can because they were kids. Maybe some were getting abused at home themselves? They might never be Mother Theresa but I believe everyone has the ability to reflect and change.