Girls, we never have to go far to find real life examples of the damage of relational aggression. Please click on the following link to watch the WKYC news video about Mary Lonsdale. The video is only five minutes, but its message will last a lifetime.

In Year 2 GEMS we have Ms. Santoriella and Mrs. Berkovitz come in to talk to you about issues like depression, abuse, self-harm, eating disorders; in all three years of GEMS we talk about bullying, but I think we need to talk about the link between bullying and these serious health issues. Much of the damage we do to one another with our harmful words or actions goes deeper than we may realize.

Therefore, when we find ourselves in situations when relational aggression is occurring and we are the bystander, or when we are fighting with a friend/classmate, or even feeling jealous or hurt by a friend/classmate, before we react here are some good rules to follow.

1.) Never join in when others are making fun of/excluding someone else.

2.) Stop and think about the damage your words/actions may cause to that person before you speakact.

3.) Take time to sort through your feelings before approaching your friend about the issue.

4.) It doesn’t cost you anything to smile or offer some reassuring words to a friend/classmate, but that smile or those words may be worth the world to that person!

On the other hand, if you or someone you know is struggling with any of the above issues please talk to a trusted adult and seek professional help. Visit any of the links on our Professional Help page. Let’s learn from the tragedy of Mary Lonsdale.