Charity Words Matter calls for urgent action on childhood verbal abuse at the House of Commons

On Monday (28 April), experts in the fields of psychology, public health, research and psychopathology gathered in Parliament to discuss the impact verbal abuse can have on children. They were brought together by Sharon Hodgson MP, and Jessica Bondy, founder of the charity Words Matter, which is currently urging government to prioritise childhood verbal abuse prevention. This type of abuse – which includes blaming, insulting, criticising, and threatening children – can cause long-term issues such as depression and anxiety. In 2023, Words Matter commissioned extensive research, including a literature review looking at verbal childhood abuse from UCL and Wingate University (USA), and a Delphi Study on the same subject to gain consensus of opinion from experts including clinicians, teachers, parents and those with lived experience. Family Kids & Youth was also commissioned by Words Matter to carry out  focus groups with children aged 11-17, and parents of children aged 6-17, followed by a quantitative survey of 1,166 UK children aged 11-17 . Results found that two-fifths (41%) of the children interviewed had experienced verbal abuse by an adult in their lives, with 51% experiencing this on a weekly basis. Because it is a widespread issue, Words Matter is calling on Parliament to make verbal abuse prevention a focal point. Solutions include support, awareness, and training for both children and adults to help tackle the problem. As Words Matter founder Jessica Bondy explains “If the Government truly wants the healthiest generation in history, tackling verbal abuse must become a core part of the national mental health strategy… Small shifts in language today can transform children’s lives and futures.” For more information on this topic and Words Matter, click here.