Agression in little boys has been a common topic for discussion amongst teachers and parents for ages. The saying "boys will be boys" is one that almost every child and parent has heard before with relation to boys bullying each other. But what about girls? Are they really "sugar and spice and everything nice"? Recent research says no.
The Problem:
Girls between the ages of about 8 and 20 are perpetrators of what is often referred to as "relational aggression." The behavior peaks around the ages of 10-15.
What is Relational Aggression?
Relational Aggression is a more subtle, indirect aggression that uses friendships, other relationships, gossip, and rumor spreading all within tigh knit groups of friends to hurt, instead of fists. This form of aggression is just as bad as and possibly worse than the overt, direct, less personal things that boys do to eachother.
So Why Is This So Serious?
This form of bullying can have an even more serious and lasting effect on girls as they develop their sense of self confidence and identity as they become adults. Unfortunately, it is very difficult for adults (parents and teachers) to see when it is going on and therefore do anything to stop it. Also, it affects girls across cultures, ethnic, and economic backgrounds.
