Relational aggression, also known as "mean girl behavior," can happen at all ages and stages of life. One way to combat it as parents is to model healthy, supportive friendships. Rather than focus on what they shouldn’t say or do, encourage your children to look for ways they can be kind, compassionate and empathetic to others. The common signs of relational aggression are:
- Talking badly about or making fun of others for who they are, the way they dress or how they look.
- Backstabbing, excluding or intimidating others.
- Cyber-bullying or shaming others by leaving hurtful or mean messages on cell phones, social media, desks and lockers.
- Using peer pressure to get others to participate in bullying.
- Establishing rules for anyone who wants to be part of the social group.
- Spreading rumors, gossiping or breaking confidences.