The Best Group Activities for Preventing Mean Girl Behavior

Create a Culture of Kindness, Confidence, and Inclusion from the Start

Let’s face it—mean girl behavior doesn’t start in high school. It can show up as early as elementary school and take the form of gossip, exclusion, subtle eye rolls, or backhanded compliments. It’s not always loud or obvious, but it can really hurt. The good news? With the right group activities and guidance, we can help prevent mean girl behavior before it takes root by building empathy, connection, and strong group values from the inside out.

If you lead a girls’ group, club, or classroom, these activities will help you create a safe space where girls learn to support—not sabotage—each other. Because when girls feel seen, included, and respected, they’re far less likely to engage in harmful behaviors. Let’s raise girls who lift each other up, not tear each other down.

💡 Key Takeaways

• Mean girl behavior often stems from insecurity, disconnection, or lack of social tools

• Prevention starts with creating a group culture of kindness, inclusion, and accountability

• Girls need consistent opportunities to reflect, connect, and practice positive social habits

• You have the power to guide girls toward empathy, courage, and real friendship

1. Group Values Circle

Start by creating shared agreements with your group. Ask: What kind of group do we want to be? Write down their ideas like “kind,” “inclusive,” “supportive,” and “fun.” Post these values where everyone can see them and revisit them often to keep the group grounded in respect.

2. Inclusion Scenarios Roleplay

Give girls short scripts or situations where someone is being left out or excluded. Let them act out what’s happening—then pause and brainstorm together how to respond with inclusion and kindness. This helps girls recognize subtle exclusion and learn how to take action.

3. Empathy Switch Game

Pair girls up and give them a situation to act out from each other’s perspective. For example, one girl plays the person who was hurt, the other plays the one who caused harm. Then they switch. This encourages understanding and helps girls think about how their actions affect others emotionally.

4. Compliment Web

Sit in a circle with a ball of yarn. One girl gives a sincere compliment to someone in the group, then tosses the yarn to her. That girl does the same, creating a web of kindness. When finished, reflect on how connected everyone is—and how important it is to keep that web strong through positive behavior.

5. “Noticing Kindness” Challenge

Have each girl write down or share one kind thing they noticed someone else do during the week. It could be helping a friend, including someone, or standing up for someone. This reinforces the behavior you want to see and helps shift the focus away from gossip and comparison.

6. Gossip Isn’t Glittery Game

Start by whispering a sentence from girl to girl around the circle (like the telephone game). Notice how the message changes. Then do it again with a kind message. Use this to spark conversation about how quickly gossip can spread—and how much better it feels to share positivity instead.

7. “What I Wish You Knew” Writing Activity

Each girl anonymously writes a message beginning with “What I wish others knew about me…” Read them aloud without names. This builds compassion and breaks down assumptions—helping girls understand that everyone is carrying something you can’t always see.

8. Circle of Repair

Use this after small conflicts or tough moments. Invite each person to share what happened, how they felt, and what they need moving forward. Focus on “I” statements and listening. This teaches accountability, emotional expression, and respectful resolution—key skills for preventing ongoing harm.

9. The “Real Friend” Checklist

Have girls brainstorm what it means to be a real friend and create a checklist together. Then reflect on their current friendships and ask: Am I being this kind of friend to others? This shifts focus inward and encourages self-awareness over finger-pointing.

10. Kindness Ripple Art Project

Each girl decorates a “kindness ripple” circle by writing something kind they’ve done, seen, or want to try. Link all the ripples into a visual chain on the wall. It’s a powerful reminder that every kind action makes waves, and that your group is stronger together.

Ready to lead with kindness and help girls build strong, inclusive friendships from the start? The Real Friends, Real You Workshop Kit gives you everything you need to prevent mean girl behavior before it starts. With guided activities, journaling prompts, conversation starters, and printables, you’ll feel confident leading workshops that foster empathy, trust, and authentic connection.

You don’t have to have all the answers—you just need the heart to show up and create space. You’ve got this. And your girls? They’re about to learn how powerful real friendship can be. Let me know which activity lands best with your group—I’d love to hear how it goes!

-Kate