We all want the children around us to have every possible chance to thrive and grow up
healthy. It’s encouraging that the government is taking meaningful steps to improve
children’s wellbeing.
Words Matter is a charity dedicated to improving children’s mental and physical health and
development by ending verbal abuse from adults. We strongly welcome the government’s
positive initiatives, such as the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, placing specialist
mental health professionals in every school in England, establishing a Young Futures Hub in
each community, and recruiting an additional 8,500 mental health workers. All these
measures are necessary and long overdue.
Yet, what is being done to address the root causes of enduring mental health and wellbeing
issues for children? While these plans represent important first steps, we are concerned by
the lack of preventative action. Hence, to drive this agenda forward, Words Matter is hosting
an important expert-led discussion in the House of Commons today, sponsored by Sharon Hodgson MP.
The shocking scale and impact of verbal abuse
If we truly aspire to raise the healthiest generation in history and break down the barriers to
opportunity, we must closely examine how adults communicate with children. According to
Professor Peter Fonagy, Head of the Division of Psychology & Language Sciences at
University College London (UCL), verbal abuse is one of the most significant modifiable
causes of lifelong mental health disorders.
Words Matter is the world’s first organisation dedicated solely to eradicating childhood verbal
abuse. Our efforts are supported by experts from Harvard University, UCL, King’s College
London, UNESCO, and other leading institutions.
Our research reveals a shocking reality: two in five children (41%) in the UK experience
verbal abuse from adults around them. More than half encounter verbal abuse weekly, and
one in ten experiences it daily. Parents, carers, teachers, and coaches are the primary
sources. This issue cuts across all social and regional boundaries – it’s widespread and
indiscriminate.
Such abuse is not only damaging in the moment; it can negatively affect a child’s mental and
physical health, as well as their development, for a lifetime.
Words have power
The way we speak to children can either build them up or break them down. Harsh language
can negatively impact every aspect of a child’s life, from home and school to their future
relationships and societal contributions.
Warm, encouraging words and secure, supportive relationships form the foundation that
children need to thrive. When we treat children with respect through our words, we teach
them to respect themselves and others.
Unfortunately, too many children grow up without the supportive, loving relationships
necessary for their development. Verbal abuse during childhood can significantly weaken
brain development and cause severe, lasting issues.
Extensive research demonstrates that verbal abuse – including blaming, insulting, scolding,
criticising, or threatening children – can be as damaging as physical or sexual abuse. Long-
term impacts include anxiety, depression, eating disorders, sleep difficulties, substance
misuse, self-harm, and suicide.
Preventing verbal abuse is crucial
As the government advances its mental health and wellbeing strategy for children, Words
Matter urges that verbal abuse prevention becomes a core component, incorporating
training, awareness-raising, and support for all adults involved in children’s lives.
Urgent action is required. Children in the UK have the lowest life satisfaction in Europe, with
over 270,000 children currently waiting for assistance following initial mental health referrals.
Long waiting times for support exacerbate this crisis. Early intervention is vital.
According to the Royal College of Psychiatrists, half of mental health conditions emerge by
age 14, many originating in early childhood.
Evidence shows that children who experience verbal abuse from adults are nearly twice as
likely to become perpetrators or victims of violence, or to face incarceration in adulthood.
A groundbreaking study by a leading economist estimates the global economic cost of
childhood verbal abuse—based solely on health consequences—at £239 billion annually.
This figure doesn’t even account for broader impacts on education, employability, and future
productivity.
Final thought
By acknowledging the devastating impact of childhood verbal abuse and prioritising its
prevention in governmental strategies, we can ensure this initiative doesn’t become yet
another short-term solution.
We all share a responsibility to nurture children’s growth and protect them from harm. As
parents, teachers, friends, and as a society, let’s choose to build children up—not knock
them down.
Jessica Bony
DesignationFounder, Words Matter
