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They warn harmful adult language is an ignored public health issue affecting millions  Young people are calling for urgent political and public health action to end childhood verbal abuse by adults. Published this week in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health, a first-of-its-kind essay, written by young people on the “harm that leaves no bruises”, combines lived experience and scientific evidence to highlight an often-overlooked form of harm.   The essay describes how harsh language from adults – including blaming, shaming, humiliating, and

“It only takes one experience to completely ruin someone’s confidence in a classroom…” School student  A new practical guide designed to support teachers has been launched by Words Matter, offering research-informed strategies to help build students’ sense of belonging and ensure they feel valued, safe, and ready to learn. Teachers play a vital role in children’s development, spending many thousands of hours together over

  What we say to children matters – sometimes more than we realise. That’s why Words Matter, the UK charity founded to end childhood verbal abuse by adults, has created a new free, first-of-its-kind online course launching this January. Called Words Matter: How to Communicate with Children so they Thrive, the evidence-based programme is designed for parents, carers, and educators and any adults, equipping them with the tools to help children flourish.  Two in

New Year is often a time when couples enquire about separation and divorce support after the intensity of the festive period. To coincide with this, Words Matter has launched a new resource designed to help parents and carers navigate conversations with children during this difficult period.  Talking with children during separation or divorce, created in collaboration with Dr Fiona Pienaar, offers practical guidance, language tips, and advice to help protect children’s emotional wellbeing when family

A national poetry competition for children has revealed the significant impact that adults’ words can have on young lives. The competition, run by Words Matter in partnership with the UK’s leading children’s newspaper, First News, gave children a platform to explore how words can either support, uplift, and empower them, or hurt, isolate, and leave lasting scars.  The competition was

The teenage years are a time of extraordinary change – physically, emotionally, and socially – as young people strive for independence. Their brains are also undergoing rapid development, shaping how they think, feel, and relate to the world around them. It can be a confusing and challenging stage, not only for teenagers themselves but also for the adults who care

‘Words Matter’ Drop-in gives MPs and Peers the chance to hear directly from young people about the lifelong impact of harsh words – and the urgent need for prevention.  29 October 2025 “Words don’t just fade – they stay with you.” That was the message from young people who courageously shared their lived experiences of verbal abuse at a special

With the new academic year around the corner, Words Matter has launched a new resource designed to help parents and carers support children as they face key school transitions – whether starting nursery, moving to a new class, or taking the leap into secondary school.  Developed in collaboration with child and adolescent mental health expert Dr. Fiona Pienaar and Senior

“Too many adults are turning to harsh words without realising the lasting damage to children.”   Jessica Bondy, Founder of Words Matter, the first organisation in the world to focus on ending childhood verbal abuse by adults  A new landmark study published this week in BMJ Open1 reveals that childhood verbal abuse by adults – criticism, ridicule, threats, humiliation – can

Following the incredible response to Words Matter’s new film – featuring the moving poem by Tally Gilbert about why words matter for children and brought to life by 13-year-old Ethan – the charity has launched a national children’s poetry competition in collaboration with First News, the UK’s leading children’s newspaper.  Timed to coincide with the summer holidays, the competition invites