Preventing Harmful Parenting: Defining Verbal Abuse to Combat Depression in Children

Verbal abuse of children, including shouting and name-calling, is linked to low mood, drug abuse, and delinquency. A recent study argues that childhood verbal abuse should be recognized as its own category of child maltreatment. Defining the behavior that constitutes verbal abuse can help address this hidden problem and prevent harmful parenting. The study highlights the need for standardized measures and further research to support these findings. Understanding and defining child verbal abuse is crucial in promoting better parenting practices and preventing long-term mental health issues.