Yelling at your children can be as harmful as physical abuse, according to a study

Sometimes parents, who no longer know what to do, may scold their children. A daily act, which can prove to have more consequences than expected. According to a British study highlighted by The Guardian, parents who expose their children to screaming are as harmful to them as physical or sexual violence.

Therefore, according to the study, this would also expose children to a greater risk of self-harm, drug use, but also incarceration in the future, since these insults caused them emotional distress.

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This study published in the journal Child abuse and neglect Characteristics The verbal violence described in this study is characterized by shouting, screaming, or qualifiers that denigrate children, such as “stupid,” “lazy,” or even “useless.”

“ These types of actions by adults can be just as harmful to a child’s development as other types of maltreatment, such as physical and sexual abuse during childhood. », say the academics in their article published in the journal.

“Using words to intimidate, shame, and control may seem less harmful than physical violence. But the same risks accompany this abusive use of language: low self-esteem, increased consumption of nicotine, alcohol and substances, increased risk of anxiety, depression [et] also psychotic disorders. »

They underline the psychological consequences on children caused by this verbal violence: “ They are associated with persistent psychological distress, complex emotional and relational difficultiesphysical and mental disorders, a greater likelihood of recreating violent situations in their life, for example finding a partner who mistreats them, as well as repeat violence with others members of their entourage. »

The study concludes by stating that more children are victims of verbal abuse than physical or sexual abuse. The number of victims stands at 40%, figures that continue to increase over the years. The researchers hope that verbal abuse will be recognized as a form of violence mistreatment.

Be careful though, let’s put a small nuance here: you won’t upset your child if you scream from time to time because you no longer know what to do. Everyone is human here, we remind you. But don’t forget that words and their violence have an impact, and that it is better, in case of crisis and if you can, to isolate yourself for a few minutes to take a breath and become calmer.