Words Matter is piloting its first training programme to increase understanding of childhood verbal abuse by adults and provide practical guidance on how best to communicate with children so they can flourish. Leading children’s and mental health charities Place2Be, The Fostering Network and MIND are taking part in the pilot which is being evaluated by University College London (UCL).
A shocking 2 in 5 (41%)[1] children experience verbal abuse by adults and which can impact their mental and physical health and development for a lifetime. The new training is an important step in the charity’s efforts to prevent childhood verbal abuse.
Developed with the support of child and adolescent mental health specialist, coach, and former teacher Dr Fiona Pienaar who was most recently Senior Clinical Advisor with Mental Health Innovations (MHI) /Shout 85258 and was previously Director of Clinical Services Place2Be, the training is research led, online and highly interactive.
Jessica Bondy, Founder of Words Matter says:
“The ability to be able to pilot our first major training programme is a major step for Words Matter with our mission to end childhood verbal abuse by adults. It wouldn’t have been possible without the help of Dr Fiona Pienaar, for developing it with us. We are immensely grateful to her and to Place2Be, The Fostering Network and MIND for agreeing to be involved in the pilot, and to UCL for evaluating it. We look forward to reviewing the findings and beginning the roll out so all parents, carers, teachers and adults around children are equipped with the knowledge and skills that will help our children thrive.
“Our approach at Words Matter is built on the belief that when people know better, they can do better. Many adults unintentionally use harmful language unaware of its life-long effects. Through positive reinforcement and practical communication tools, we can create lasting behavioural and systemic changes that will protect children.
Words matter. They stick. They last a lifetime. Their impact shapes who we are and who we become. Change is possible if we all work together to find lasting solutions that support children and all the people around them. Through research and collaboration with partners, and by raising awareness of the impact of verbal abuse, we can inspire action and fuel change. Let’s build children up, not knock them down.
ENDS
[1] The quantitative research among children and parents was undertaken by Family, Kids & Youth (FK&Y), led by Dr Barbie Clarke between 1 June and 20 June 2023. The research went through safeguarding procedures and was approved by an ethics committee. 1,166 responses were received to the children’s survey (children aged 11–17 years), with 53% (n=619) boys and 47% (n=543) girls, with good representation across all age groups and UK regions. To measure experience children were asked: ‘Can you tell us if anyone you know, of your age, has experienced adults saying unkind or upsetting words or phrases to them in the form of words and language to blame, insult, criticise, put-down, including banter and hurtful jokes that go too far?’ and referenced negative tone of voice and/or body language. 1,159 responses were received to the parent survey.