Study says child verbal abuse comparable to sexual, physical abuse
Study says child verbal abuse comparable to sexual, physical abuse KSBY News
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Child Verbal Abuse Can Be as Damaging as Physical and Sexual Abuse
A study by researchers from the University College London says that child verbal abuse can be as damaging as physical and sexual abuse.
The study, which was published this week in Child Abuse & Neglect: The International Journal, said that children subjected to verbal abuse face increased risks of anger, depression, substance abuse, self-harm, and obesity.
Behaviors such as belittling, shouting, and threatening language can lead to these outcomes, researchers said. Of children who faced verbal abuse, parents were the main perpetrators 76.5% of the time, the study said. Teachers were the main perpetrators 12.7% of the time, while other adult caregivers were responsible in 2.4% of instances.
The study suggested that verbal abuse should be classified in the same way other forms of child maltreatment are classified, such as physical and sexual abuse. The study noted that the World Health Organization has said that emotional abuse is the most prevalent form of child maltreatment. Researchers cautioned, however, that the term “emotional abuse” was ambiguous and focused on the victim.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The findings of this study align with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations:
- Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being – Child verbal abuse can lead to mental health problems such as anger, depression, and self-harm, which hinder overall well-being.
- Goal 4: Quality Education – Verbal abuse by teachers can negatively impact a child’s educational experience and hinder their ability to learn.
- Goal 5: Gender Equality – Addressing child verbal abuse can contribute to creating a safe and equal environment for all children, regardless of their gender.
- Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities – Verbal abuse can disproportionately affect vulnerable groups of children, exacerbating existing inequalities.
- Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – Classifying verbal abuse as a form of child maltreatment can help establish stronger legal frameworks and institutions to protect children.
University College London researchers used 166 studies in making their determination.
“Preventing the maltreatment of children is the most effective way we can reduce the prevalence of child mental health problems,” Peter Fonagy, a professor at the University College London, said in a statement. “A sharp focus on childhood verbal abuse by adults around them by the new charity Words Matter, and this review will help make significant change, and support and direct our efforts to identify and respond to this risk in an effective and timely manner.”
The researchers said that focusing on child verbal abuse and not just emotional abuse more broadly will make prevention strategies easier.
“We’ve seen tremendous strides in increased awareness and interventions targeting physical and sexual abuse perpetrators leading to the reduction in these forms of maltreatment,” said Shanta Dube, a professor at Wingate University, who led the study. “If we focus on verbal abuse by perpetrators rather than just emotional abuse among victims, we may develop similar actions to prevent childhood verbal abuse and its consequences.”
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SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being | Indicator: Increased awareness and interventions targeting child verbal abuse perpetrators leading to a reduction in the prevalence of mental health problems in children |
| SDG 4: Quality Education | Target 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship, and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development | Indicator: Implementation of prevention strategies for child verbal abuse, leading to improved mental health outcomes and well-being in children |
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation | Indicator: Identification and response to child verbal abuse by adults, leading to a reduction in violence against girls in the private sphere |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 4: Quality Education
- SDG 5: Gender Equality
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being
- Target 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship, and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development
- Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator: Increased awareness and interventions targeting child verbal abuse perpetrators leading to a reduction in the prevalence of mental health problems in children (related to Target 3.4)
- Indicator: Implementation of prevention strategies for child verbal abuse, leading to improved mental health outcomes and well-being in children (related to Target 4.7)
- Indicator: Identification and response to child verbal abuse by adults, leading to a reduction in violence against girls in the private sphere (related to Target 5.2)
The article highlights the issue of child verbal abuse and its negative impact on children’s well-being. Based on the content, the relevant SDGs are SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 5 (Gender Equality).
Under SDG 3, the specific target identified is Target 3.4, which aims to reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases and promote mental health and well-being. The indicator mentioned in the article is increased awareness and interventions targeting child verbal abuse perpetrators, leading to a reduction in the prevalence of mental health problems in children.
Under SDG 4, the specific target identified is Target 4.7, which focuses on ensuring that learners acquire knowledge and skills for sustainable development. The indicator implied in the article is the implementation of prevention strategies for child verbal abuse, resulting in improved mental health outcomes and well-being in children.
Under SDG 5, the specific target identified is Target 5.2, which aims to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls. The indicator mentioned in the article is the identification and response to child verbal abuse by adults, leading to a reduction in violence against girls in the private sphere.
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: ksby.com
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