"Aggression" is defined as behavior that is intended to harm others. Aggression can take many forms, but physical forms of aggression (getting into physical fights, dating violence, violent crimes) have received the most attention from researchers, educators, and parents, who understandably are interested in protecting their children from the serious harm that physical aggression often inflicts.

Studies show that relational and other nonphysical forms of aggression are just as harmful to a student's ability to learn, grow and succeed. Relational aggression encompasses behaviors that harm others by damaging, threatening to damage or manipulating one's relationships with his/her peers, or by injuring one's feelings of social acceptance.

For example:

• Purposefully ignoring someone when angry (giving the "silent treatment")
• Spreading rumors about a disliked classmate
• Telling others not to play with a certain classmate as a means of retaliation

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