Cliques: Sometimes a group of friends is actually a clique. People in these groups make it clear to outsiders that not just anyone can join and be part of their group. Another determining factor is that cliques often focus on maintaining their popularity or status. They also try to make those on the outside feel like they are less important or worthy than those inside the clique.
Sometimes people in cliques will use their perceived power as a way to hurt or bully others. They often exclude, ostracize and leave out others on purpose. Cliques also are mean. And this meanness isn’t always limited to those on the outside. People in cliques sometimes even hurt their own members by trying to fix them in some way. This can include giving makeovers, dictating clothing choices, telling them how to act and limiting outside friendships. Individuality is not rewarded or encouraged within a clique.
Additionally, people in cliques often believe that if they make fun of others, spread gossip or use other types of relational aggression, that they will be popular. So, they bully to get attention, to get what they want, to punish people they are jealous of and to become popular.
Cliques often exclude well-liked people who pose a threat to the clique leadership. In other words, if the leaders in the clique see someone as a threat, that person will likely be excluded and maybe even ostracized. The clique does this in an attempt to take away the person’s perceived power or threat. They may even befriend the person’s closest friends as a way to isolate the person.
Stand up for what you believe as an individual. Don't be part of the bullying school yard crowd in little groups trying to intimidate to get rid of someone. Bullying and cliques in young children is a growing problem in the world today. They learn it from their parents, grandparents and friends. Be a good example and teach your children that being in gangs or cliques leads to much destruction.
Sometimes people in cliques will use their perceived power as a way to hurt or bully others. They often exclude, ostracize and leave out others on purpose. Cliques also are mean. And this meanness isn’t always limited to those on the outside. People in cliques sometimes even hurt their own members by trying to fix them in some way. This can include giving makeovers, dictating clothing choices, telling them how to act and limiting outside friendships. Individuality is not rewarded or encouraged within a clique.
Additionally, people in cliques often believe that if they make fun of others, spread gossip or use other types of relational aggression, that they will be popular. So, they bully to get attention, to get what they want, to punish people they are jealous of and to become popular.
Cliques often exclude well-liked people who pose a threat to the clique leadership. In other words, if the leaders in the clique see someone as a threat, that person will likely be excluded and maybe even ostracized. The clique does this in an attempt to take away the person’s perceived power or threat. They may even befriend the person’s closest friends as a way to isolate the person.
Stand up for what you believe as an individual. Don't be part of the bullying school yard crowd in little groups trying to intimidate to get rid of someone. Bullying and cliques in young children is a growing problem in the world today. They learn it from their parents, grandparents and friends. Be a good example and teach your children that being in gangs or cliques leads to much destruction.
