Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Conversation
The Conversation
Eamon McCrory, Professor of Developmental Neuroscience and Psychopathology, UCL

As a neuroscientist, I’ve seen the impact of harsh words on children’s brains. We need to prevent childhood verbal abuse

Brain
21March/Shutterstock

Harsh words can wound – and when directed at children, they can have a lifelong impact.

Research has shown that when words are routinely used by the adults in their lives to humiliate, shame or control children, they can alter the developing brain. A 2023 study of over 20,500 UK adults found that one in five reported having been verbally abused as children.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
80 Beautiful Pottery Creations That Prove Creativity Has Absolutely No Limits (New Pics)
It’s stunning what people can create with just a lump of wet clay, their own hands, and a little bit of love and creativity. On r/Pottery, folks with all kinds of experience share the most amazing and creative things they made. So, as you scroll and admire the pieces, let…
Bored Panda
Bored Panda
The Story Behind Little Trees Is Even Stranger Than You Think
The iconic tree-shaped air freshener started with a smelly milk truck in 1952. Here's how Little Trees became a car-culture staple.
Motor1
Motor1
Would You Send Money to Someone You’ve Never Met? Romance Scammers Know How to Make You Say Yes
The first request for money might arrive after weeks of sweet messages, late-night conversations, and promises of a future together. It might sound less like a scam than an awkward favor between two people who care about each other.
Clever Dude
Clever Dude
Heavier Phone Use Past 10 at Night Linked with Teens Falling Asleep About 65 Minutes Later
On nights with extra phone use after 10 p.m., teens fell asleep about 65 minutes later, a JAMA Pediatrics study found. What parents can do.
Medical Daily
Medical Daily
We are reclaiming real life after getting rid of Instagram
Letters: Readers on taking back their lives – and brains – from social media algorithms
The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
The U.K.'s Online Safety Act Has Been a Failure. Regulators Want To Broaden It Anyway.
A new report reveals more shortcomings of the U.K.’s Online Safety Act.
Reason
Reason
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.
Download on the AppStore Get it on Google Play