Key points

Bullying involves repetition, intent to harm, and an imbalance of power.

Both children who are bullied and those who witness bullying may face lasting emotional effects.

Empathy, perspective-taking, and emotional language are powerful protective tools.

Families and schools play key roles in creating safe, connected environments for kids.

When we talk about bullying , most people picture middle school hallways, anonymous online posts, or cliques forming in adolescence . But the truth is, the seeds of bullying are planted much earlier. For many children, it begins around third grade for girls and fourth grade for boys.

In The Crucial Years , I describe this period of middle childhood , roughly ages 6 to 12, as the foundation for social and emotional development. It i

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