Ostracism--being ignored and excluded--is a painful experience that can occur in both face-to-face and electronically based (e-based) social interactions (Williams, 2009). There are many reasons why individuals ostracize others, but a common reason is to use ostracism as a form of punishment or a form of relational aggression (Nezlek, Wesselmann, Wheeler, & Williams, 2012; Williams, 2001). Regardless of the reason, ostracism causes immediate emotional distress and psychological need threat (i.e., threats to the needs for belonging, self-esteem, control, and meaningful existence; Williams, 2009). Given the potential severity of ostracism's negative effects on children's functioning, the authors emphasize the importance of schools focusing on identifying and helping those students experiencing this treatment. The authors point out that such harmful behavior flourishes in school environments that allow it, and support the policy that practitioners' energy should be focused heavily on changing the school climate that supports ostracism. The authors maintain that school psychologists can, and should, play an integral role in addressing this issue at a school-wide level. Research (Saylor et al. 2013) suggests that school psychologists can offer individual interventions for victims, bullies, and families by offering a safe place to talk about social bullying and ostracism along with providing consultation to school staff on prevention and intervention tactics. School-wide prevention programs may be appropriate for schools that have identified issues with social bullying and ostracism, and many schools already have adopted these types of programs. Information regarding successful implementation of these programs is provided by NASP in "A Framework for School-Wide Bullying Prevention and Safety" (Rossen & Cowan, 2012). School psychologists have a unique opportunity and responsibility to address the issue of ostracism in school when working with individuals and, perhaps more importantly, at the level of school climate. The article closes by saying that it is imperative that the painful consequences of ostracism are not overlooked in favor of combating more visible bullying and physical aggression, as ostracism may be more hurtful.