In a society where violence was tolerated because it was considered just and right to administer such violence, it should be no surprise to anyone that that right to administer violence gets usurped by bullies.
In a society where punishment is administered physically, it should be no surprise that bullies seek to do the same to those they consider lesser or weaker than themselves, for whatever reason. After all, they’re merely copying the habits and attitudes of those they see as successful!
As children model the behavior of the adults around them, the only way to break the curse of the bullies is by demonstrating that there is a better way than the tawse, brute force or the fist.
Society will always have scofflaws and psychopaths. Perhaps one day, educators and psychologists will be able to understand and help. Corporal punishment didn’t end that!