03/06/2026
We’ve experienced this far to often and it’s heartbreaking from a parents perspective to watch from the sidelines and not know how to help where they are experiencing exclusion
I’m teaching my kids exclusion is an under-the-radar form of bullying.
We’ve all experienced it—
that sting of being left out,
of two friends whispering a secret in front of you
and refusing to tell you what it’s about.
It happens in our schools,
on sports teams,
in after-school activities and clubs.
And while it may seem subtle,
it can be deeply damaging.
When a group consistently leaves someone out—
when they make sure that person knows they’re not invited,
not wanted,
not part of the circle—
that’s not harmless.
That’s bullying.
This kind of behavior chips away at self-esteem.
It teaches kids they’re never enough.
And the silence around it allows it to keep spreading.
Not liking someone is human.
But you can still be kind.
You can still be civil.
You can still make space for empathy.
Because bullying isn’t just about pushing someone on the playground.
Exclusion is a silent pandemic.
And it’s time we start calling it what it is.
Living FULL by Danielle Sherman-Lazar
