The thing is, no one actually knew that Bellamy was older, and he couldn't tell anyone because that would risk exposing why he was on the drop ship that his agenda, etc. As far as the other kids knew, Bellamy was just another delinquent. We never see any of them questioning why he was on the ship, or him explaining himself. As far as the kids knew, if Bellamy had been over 18 when committing a crime he'd be executed, so he can't be over 18. And he repeatedly tells people that he did indeed commit a crime to be on Earth. (I also don't see someone like Murphy or any other thug take orders from anyone based on a few years of age difference, regardless.)
You should rewatch S1! I did recently, and Bellamy very much has perfect control over the entire camp. He actually has LESS control later, when he shares the reigns with Clarke. But in the first few episodes he's the lord and master. He lets most of the kids do whatever they want, but that's because them doing whatever doesn't matter to him. But he has his own gang, he has the power to tell anyone what to do, when Murphy starts humiliating people for example no one but Clarke takes him to task because everyone's afraid of Bellamy, king of the camp.
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You should rewatch S1! I did recently, and Bellamy very much has perfect control over the entire camp. He actually has LESS control later, when he shares the reigns with Clarke. But in the first few episodes he's the lord and master. He lets most of the kids do whatever they want, but that's because them doing whatever doesn't matter to him. But he has his own gang, he has the power to tell anyone what to do, when Murphy starts humiliating people for example no one but Clarke takes him to task because everyone's afraid of Bellamy, king of the camp.