S2 EP 17 - Outsmarting Bullies: Tainted Love

S2 EP 17 - Outsmarting Bullies: Tainted Love

From Middle School Mary Poppins by Suzanne M. Swain, EDS LMSW

January 27, 2026 · 19 min · Season 2 · Episode 17

About this episode

This episode explores the subtle and emotionally manipulative forms of bullying in middle school and their impact on children's confidence and safety.

Bullying in middle school isn’t always loud or obvious—and that’s what makes it so confusing and harmful. In this episode of Middle School Mary Poppins, child therapist and educational specialist Suzanne M. Swain, EDS, LMSW explores the subtle, strategic, and emotionally manipulative forms of bullying that often get overlooked by adults but deeply affect kids’ confidence and sense of safety. You’ll learn how power, group dynamics, humor, and digital spaces fuel bullying, why neurodivergent ki...

People in this episode

Host: Suzanne M. Swain

Topics covered

  • bullying
  • middle school
  • emotional manipulation
  • neurodivergent kids
  • confidence
  • safety

Keywords

  • bullying
  • middle school
  • emotional manipulation
  • neurodivergent
  • confidence
  • safety
  • group dynamics
  • digital spaces

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