What is emotional abuse?

Emotional abuse is making children feel that they are worthless or unloved.

Emotional abuse can include criticizing, teasing, belittling, insulting, rejecting, ignoring or isolating a child. It includes failing to give children love, emotional support and guidance.

What are the effects of emotional abuse?

Emotional abuse affects a child’s emotional development. It makes children feel frightened or in danger, and it has a lifelong impact on the child’s cognitive and psycho-social development.

What should you do if you find out a child is suffering from emotional abuse?

If you discover that a child is suffering from emotional abuse, help the child to talk about the abuse, either to you or a ChildLine service. You can find a full list of the Child helpline number by clicking here (external link, data charges may apply)

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