It is important to talk with youth about labels and the stereotypes that go along with them. Do peers call your child a “jock” or a “geek”? Does your child use these terms (or others) to describe their peers? Discuss how labels can be limiting, unfounded, and also cruel. Explain that labels do not define a person, that they can cause sadness, and should be avoided. Also, be aware of your own language and the use of labels. Using labels to describe or name youth can be quite harmful when they are trying to build their own identities.