Forget “sugar and spice,” research suggests “vicious, mean, calculating and backstabbing” are more applicable for too many of our girls. Psychologists call such hurtful behavior “Relational Aggression” or RA because the goal is to damage the victim’s social standing or reputation by intentionally manipulating how others view her. While boy bullies are apt to grab, shove, or punch their prey, girls are more covert— isolating or excluding the victim; spreading vicious rumors; posting lies online; or creating situations to publicly humiliate her.

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