How does labeling effect preteens and their self esteem?

It hurts them in a very bad way. They may not know it at first, but it becomes apparent when they reach high school. Either they become labeled preppy, jock, goth, emo... some will add in a new category every now and then. Most associate by groups and then automatically assume that just because they are labeled, they are not okay to be around.

Labeling puts up barriers between preteens (and anyone and everyone else). If a kid were labeled Emo, they'd automatically be called a 'cutter' 'suicidal maniac' 'depressive'. Most of the time, however, these labels come from clothes appearance. (ironic...)

These take negative turns on self-esteem. Even on those labeled as preps because then they too feel pressure amongst peers to be a certain way (only out of fear of being labeled something "lower").

So, to cut it short, labeling takes a negative turn on preteens to morph into something they aren't - thus effectively lowering self-esteem.