Psychological abuse and children

Psychological abuse can be just as damaging to a young child’s health as physical abuse.

Researchers from Hamilton’s McMaster University say telling a child they’re worthless, exploiting them or involving them in a drug habit can lead to developmental, education and social problems.

The study says it’s an under-recognized form of abuse, but is fairly common.

They say raising your voice after asking a child to perform a task several times is not abuse, but yelling at a child every day in a belittling manner will cause damage.