Interesting read on relational aggression and the use of mediators: The School Mediator: How Girls Fight
A portion of the article from Richard Cohen reads:
I for one certainly hope that all this attention leads educators to:
*Attune themselves to notice this type of behavior
*State unequivocally that relational aggression is unacceptable
*Subject students who engage in it to appropriate consequencesAt it’s worst, relational aggression is a form a bullying, and it must be dealt with in the way that all bullying is dealt with: With a firm NO to the bully and a protective and empowering place for victims.
But one thing conspicuously missing from popular discussion (at least to a mediator!) is the importance of processes like mediation to help girls (and boys), when appropriate, heal the wounds that result from relational aggression.
Two things I like about this statement. The fact that it acknowledges the need for mediation and the position that relational aggression is *not* normal behavior. It is not to be rationalized under the pretense that that is “just the way girls are”.
And I like the call for accountability – for those engaging in this type of behavior and for adults to be aware of its existence and to take a stand against it.
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