Joanna Fortune: My child has been excluded from their friend group

Dr Joanna Fortune: "Sometimes, what our children experience in school is not bullying but falls under what we could describe as 'mean' or 'rude' behaviour, which can also be very challenging."

My eight-year-old daughter dreads going to school because she's been excluded from her friend group. It seems the group leader decides who's 'in' and who's 'out', which can change from week to week. I've spoken to her teacher, who says this happens all the time at this age, and they will probably grow out of it. Is there anything I can do in the meantime?

Bullying is very serious and should be treated as such.