While for most people, the image of a typical bully may be a big, mean-looking boy, girls are also taking a part in this unfortunate trend. “The words are ‘relational aggression’ and they describe a certain type of sneaky bullying.” Says Kelly Burgess, of preteenagerstoday.com. Burgess goes on to say that these girl bullies can start as early as second grade, and are often the, for lack of a better word, “popular” girl in class. These bullies are often very feminine, which can even lead teachers and parents to disbelief that these girls could actually be bullies. Usually they travel in groups of two or more, and most of their bullying has to do with who’s “in” and who’s “out.”
But why do girls feel the need to bully? According to Mean Girl Cliques: What and Educator Must Know, “Middle school for girls is one of the most trying and intense periods of their entire lives. With hormones raging, concepts of self and the world drastically changing, and the need to belong and fit in entering the forefront of their lives this time is incredibly intense for young girls.” Also, the way that girls form and view friendships plays an important role in the epidemic of bullying. In early elementary school, girl’s friendships are based on basic personality traits, such as how nice someone is or how well they share. One late elementary school and middle school arrive, girls realize how much work a friendship can take. Also, unfortunately, the downside of friendships, which can consist of losing friends, dealing with rumors, and people finding other friends.
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