Consequences of insults in children
Insults are not just words … They can hurt more than even blows and remain anchored in the heart producing emotional pain.
Everyone knows that words can do much more damage than sticks and stones. Name calling is a more damaging and painful type of bullying. Victims feel that the messages they say about them are real even if they are not. The insults make the victims believe that those harmful words define them when they are not at all. Hurtful words like: ‘fat’, ‘retarded’, ‘nerd’ or any other derogatory name will cause self-esteem to be undermined. There are many insults that hurt people’s hearts.
Insults are commonly used in both schools and homes, this is alarming considering the negative consequences this has . It is in school where there can really be serious problems with the subject of insults. Name calling also makes it increasingly difficult for victims to trust perceptions of themselves. Regardless of the names used about the victim, the underlying and repeating messages are “you are not good enough” and “you are not up to it.” Here are other ways young people are affected by name calling … and you need to put a stop to it as soon as possible.
Index
AFFECTS THE VICTIM’S SENSE OF IDENTITY
Over time, name calling can slowly drain self-esteem and the victim will no longer see himself realistically. For example, if a girl is regularly called “fat,” she may look overweight even after losing it. This type of distorted body image is usually the beginning stage of a really dangerous eating disorder.
AFFECTS THE SENSE OF WELL-BEING
Insults cause notable changes in the personality and behavior of those affected. For example, adolescent victims may be more sensitive, hostile, or withdrawn.
They can also make excuses to avoid going to class and lose interest in outside activities. On many occasions, victims are often dissatisfied with life. They can also struggle with feelings of loneliness and despair.
THEY FEEL CONTROLLED BY OTHERS
When a stalker calls another person an insult, they are trying to control how others view the person. For example, a stalker may call someone “stupid.” This insult is usually made in front of others and is intended to encourage others to view the person as “stupid” as well. If this is repeated on a regular basis, over time, other people, including the target, may begin to associate the word “stupid” with that person. And eventually, that hurtful label can become part of who that person is.
OPEN THE DOOR TO VIOLENCE
In more severe cases, bullies who insult others will often act on their anger and act physically as well. In fact, many hate crimes begin with name calling. An insult is a form of verbal aggression that can have fatal consequences. If your child receives insults at school, you should stop this as soon as possible and communicate it with the teacher or the principal so that they take the pertinent measures.
AFFECTS THE MOOD
It is important to remember that sudden changes in mood can sometimes indicate that bullying is taking place. Never ignore changes in a child’s mood or think of it as hormonal until you’ve determined why they seem too distant.
Changes in behavior, sleep habits, and moods should always be considered the first warning signs that something is wrong. It is not uncommon for victims of name calling and other types of bullying to experience anxiety and depression. If your child shows a change in mood, a doctor will need to evaluate him immediately.
AFFECTS MENTAL HEALTH
Insults can have serious consequences on the mental health of victims. In fact, it is one of the most harmful forms of bullying or relationships between people. For example, some victims become so depressed from the insults they receive that they begin to feel worthless, helpless, and out of control. Some victims may even entertain the idea of committing suicide. If your child talks about death or wants to die, don’t ignore these comments … your child will need to be evaluated by a doctor.
AFFECTS PHYSICAL HEALTH
Often times when children are insulted, their physical health will suffer. In addition to having trouble eating or sleeping, they may also complain of an upset stomach and headache. Additionally, some victims may develop post-traumatic stress disorder, ulcers, or other stress-related conditions.
INSULT IS DISRESPECT
If you notice that someone is insulting another person, do not look elsewhere. It is important that you do your part so that the person receiving the insult feels validated as a person and therefore invalidates the insult that they have received. No one of any age should be insulted by other people. It is necessary that from childhood, children are educated with respect and kindness towards other people.Although in society insults seem to be the order of the day because they are seen on the street, on television programs , at school, among people’s relationships … and can even be observed in their own homes, it is necessary to make a social reflection.
Insulting other people is disrespect, it means that the feelings of the other person do not matter the least to us and that is what should be avoided at all costs. Children must be educated from mutual respect, leaving these rude and also hurtful words in oblivion. When a person insults another, it is a form of verbal aggression so, when it is done repeatedly, the person who receives these insults can be seriously harmed both emotionally and also physically (since emotional stress is also can affect the body with physical symptoms). Remember, it is unethical for you to use insults to address anyone and you should not allow anyone to use them to address you.
Dr. Tabriella Perivolaris, Sara's mother and fan of fashion, beauty, motherhood, among others, about the female universe. Since 2018 she has been working as a copywriter, always bringing to her articles a little of her experience and experience as a mother and woman.