4 June 2025: Words Matter today unveils a deeply moving new film aimed at sparking a national conversation around the damaging impact of adult language on children. At its heart is a powerful poem, written by Tally Gilbert of Pinky Studio and brought to life by 13-year-old Ethan, whose stirring performance delivers a message that is impossible to ignore.
Shot in a single take at dawn on Hammersmith Bridge, the short film captures Ethan speaking directly to camera as he crosses the bridge with the sun rising behind him – a visual metaphor for the hope that comes with change and moving forward. His calm, honest delivery lays bare the unseen scars that harsh words from adults can leave on children – wounds that can last a lifetime.
The film by Max Montgomery of Wandering Goose, is part of Words Matter’s ongoing campaign to end childhood verbal abuse by adults, a silent epidemic affecting a shocking 2 in 5 children (41%). The charity is calling on parents, carers, teachers, coaches and all adults to stop, breathe and think before they speak – and to choose words that build children up, not tear them down.
“Choose your words carefully, the science is plain. The effects on us children can leave lifelong pain.”
— Excerpt from “Words Matter” by Tally Gilbert
The poem captures a painful truth many adults will recognise – the words spoken to us as children, whether kind or cruel, echo for years.
“You never shut up”, “you’re stupid”, “you’ll never be anything” – these are not harmless comments. They are verbal wounds with long shadows.
As the poem reminds us:
“Children listen to you, and we believe what you say. Words shape our future in the most powerful way.”
Jessica Bondy, Founder of Words Matter, said:
“This remarkable poem, voiced so beautifully by Ethan, brings home just how deeply children are affected by the words adults use. We all lose our temper sometimes, but we can learn to respond differently. A small shift in language can change a child’s future. We are role models – if we show children respect, they will grow up respecting themselves and others. Words matter. Let’s build children up, not knock them down.”
Tally Gilbert, writer of the poem, said:
“Words Matter is a vital charity, and I’m proud to support its mission. Every adult can remember something said to them in childhood that shaped how they saw themselves. The damage from unkind words is real – but so is the power of positivity. My hope is that this poem encourages people to think, to pause, and to speak with care.”
Words Matter – A poem by Tally Gilbert
I’m sure you remember things said to you when you were young
That stopped you in your tracks, that hurt you, that really stung.
No doubt there were words that would swirl around your head
And you have never forgotten some things that were said.
‘You never shut up’, ‘you’re stupid’, ‘you’re lazy’
‘You’ll never be anything’, ‘stop being such a baby’.
Words matter when you’re a child like me
And adults hold the ultimate responsibility.
It’s the unkindness and negatives that stick with you
And can determine your self-belief and confidence too.
Children listen to you and we believe what you say
Words shape our future in the most powerful way.
As grown-ups, we need you to build children up,
To praise and encourage, to fill our cup.
So if you’re overloaded and feel ready to snap,
Please just try to take a moment and step back.
Choose your words carefully, the science is plain
The effects on us children can leave lifelong pain.
Words matter; Stop, Breathe, and Think before you speak,
Let’s work together so children can reach their peak.
ENDS