Understanding emotional and psychological maltreatment — the persistent behaviours that damage a child's mental health and sense of self-worth.
Emotional abuse is the persistent emotional maltreatment of a child that causes severe and lasting adverse effects on their emotional development. It may involve conveying to a child that they are worthless, unloved, or inadequate. It is often harder to identify than other forms of abuse but is no less serious.
Emotional abuse includes threatening, humiliating, or rejecting a child; frightening or intimidating them; exploiting or corrupting them; or persistently ignoring them. It can occur in isolation or alongside physical or sexual abuse. Children who experience emotional abuse often internalise negative beliefs about themselves that persist into adulthood.
1. Promote emotionally healthy environments
Schools and families can reduce the risk of emotional abuse by fostering cultures where children's feelings are validated, where adults model respectful communication, and where children learn to identify and express their emotions safely.
2. Train staff to recognise subtle signs
Because emotional abuse rarely leaves physical marks, it requires trained, observant adults who notice changes in a child's demeanour, confidence, and relationships over time.
3. Build trusted relationships with children
Children who have a trusted adult they can speak to are more likely to disclose or show signs of distress. Schools should ensure that every child has at least one adult they feel safe approaching.
ตรวจสอบล่าสุด: 2026-04-10
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