Mean Girl Aggression (MGA), also known as relational aggression, is a form of emotional or social bullying. It can show up through gossip, exclusion, social manipulation, and online bullying. Much of it happens quietly and behind screens, which means adults often don’t see it happening at all. MGA is usually covert and passive-aggressive. It’s easy for those engaging in it to deny or downplay their behaviour, leaving the person on the receiving end feeling anxious, confused, or even like they’re overreacting. Over time, these experiences can lead to anxiety, depression, sleep problems, lower grades, substance use, or withdrawal from school and activities they once loved.