How to Counter the Devastating Effects of Verbal Harassment

Words are real things, they can lift us up or bring us down. Learn about the effects of verbal bullying!

Many people’s lives have been destroyed by verbal abuse in the home, schools, and business settings. Children and adolescents have suffered mentally, physically, and emotionally due to abusive language. In some cases, these attacks have led to years of anxiety, depression, and even death.

Bullying is a major problem in the UK In 2013, the Department for Children’s Schools and Families reported that almost 46% of school-age children and adolescents confessed to being bullied at school; 40% had negative experiences with cyberbullying. In 2011/12, nearly 32,000 children called ChildLine for help with bullying problems.

Types and effects of verbal harassment

Verbal abuse can manifest itself in a number of ways. At home, it can be very easy for parents and siblings to fall into this trap by making up nicknames with negative connotations for someone in the family. An overweight child, for example, may be nicknamed “fat” or “fat.” As a parent, you may have no intention of intentionally hurting your child, but these insults can be ingrained in your mind and result in negative repercussions over time.

Name calling is just one form of abuse that is commonly used against children. Verbal harassment can also take the form of criticism, belittling others, spreading false rumors, or threatening to harm someone. Hearing negative comments on a regular basis can destroy anyone’s trust and esteem, not to mention their reputation. Young children are especially susceptible to this type of abuse, causing them to feel rejected and unloved. For this reason, parents and schools are taking a firm stance against verbal abuse at home and in the school setting.

Effects of Verbal Harassment and Dealing with Verbal Bullies

Parents can play a key role in fighting verbal bullying by taking more interest in their children’s lives. Young children need someone they can talk to as they grow. By establishing this type of relationship with your child, you will be better able to help him or her overcome difficulties in life.

Many children will confess when they are being bullied at school, but others will not. Changes in a child’s attitudes and behavior are signs that something may be wrong. If your normally outgoing school-loving child suddenly becomes quiet, reticent, and fearful of school, he or she may be the victim of bullying. Through open communication, you can discover abusive situations in your children’s lives and provide them with the encouragement, help, and support they need to resolve these issues.

Ignorance is never a blessing when it comes to dealing with bullies. As a parent, you have every right to face the situation head-on and see it resolved. The first step is to report abusive behavior to teachers and school administrators so they can actively participate. Most UK schools have programs in place to handle bullying, including training programs for teachers and staff to help them recognize bullying tactics and intervene when they arise. By working with school officials, steps can be taken to resolve the problem. In the meantime, you should continue to communicate with your child to make sure they are safe from danger and harm.

Combat the negative effects of verbal harassment

With some children, the effects of verbal abuse can be seen right away. They may become anxious, angry, or fearful or show signs of physical illness such as nausea, headaches, or chills. Other children may not have outward symptoms of abuse, but internally they are experiencing feelings of rejection, inferiority, or fear. As a parent, you will need to help your child work through these feelings so that he can move on.

Victims of bullying often tend to separate themselves from others in an effort to avoid further harm and pain. As a parent, you should encourage your child to participate in organized social activities to develop new friendships and feel like they belong. Through these activities, your child can also improve social skills that will benefit him as he grows.

If your child has an interest or ability in a certain area, such as music, art, or sports, encourage him to develop this talent to build his confidence and self-esteem. By being positive, supportive, and accepting of your child at all times, you will come to value yourself as an individual and overcome any negative effects the bullying may have caused.