The link is to the NSPCC's page on Emotional Abuse of children. They define emotional abuse as:
Answers to common questions about emotional abuse
"My neighbour constantly shouts at her children and threatens them; should I be worried?"
Yes.
"My friend treats her toddler well one day, then badly the next. I am worried about the effect this may have on him."
Children need consistency from parents and carers. Some parents have unrealistic expectations about their child's behaviour and capabilities. They may be cold and disapproving if their child misbehaves or fails at something, and withdraw affection in an attempt to control the child's behaviour. This can be just as damaging as harsh words or threats. It is important for parents to understand what a child can and cannot do at a particular age and to be patient.
[after other things] ... we suggest you talk about your concerns with a NSPCC Helpline adviser on 0808 800 5000.
"My friend is suffering from depression. She spends most of her day in bed sleeping and seems to find it hard to look after her three-year old son. I am worried that he's not getting enough attention and stimulation."
Parents who are depressed, mentally ill, or taking drugs may find it more difficult to notice and respond to their child's needs. Nevertheless, when a parent ignores or withdraws from a child as your friend is doing, it is a form of emotional neglect. You are right to be worried.
These are the official views of the NSPCC. The question that really needs to be asked, however, is how far below ideal care should care fall before a child gets taken away from its parents for "emotional abuse".
I am aware of a child (8) unwillingly taken from his mother who is in a children's home, not going to school and on a prozac type of medication. I have difficulty (knowing what I do about the case) thinking that his position in care is in any way better than remaining with his family. He is clearly being emotionally abused so badly where he is that it cannot be worse.
One problem in Childrens Homes is that when children squabble they call the police. This makes the children used to having the police involved and assists in a seamless transfer from children's home to prison.
The point about parents is that generally they care for the kids even if they shout at them from time to time.
Answers to common questions about emotional abuse
"My neighbour constantly shouts at her children and threatens them; should I be worried?"
Yes.
"My friend treats her toddler well one day, then badly the next. I am worried about the effect this may have on him."
Children need consistency from parents and carers. Some parents have unrealistic expectations about their child's behaviour and capabilities. They may be cold and disapproving if their child misbehaves or fails at something, and withdraw affection in an attempt to control the child's behaviour. This can be just as damaging as harsh words or threats. It is important for parents to understand what a child can and cannot do at a particular age and to be patient.
[after other things] ... we suggest you talk about your concerns with a NSPCC Helpline adviser on 0808 800 5000.
"My friend is suffering from depression. She spends most of her day in bed sleeping and seems to find it hard to look after her three-year old son. I am worried that he's not getting enough attention and stimulation."
Parents who are depressed, mentally ill, or taking drugs may find it more difficult to notice and respond to their child's needs. Nevertheless, when a parent ignores or withdraws from a child as your friend is doing, it is a form of emotional neglect. You are right to be worried.
These are the official views of the NSPCC. The question that really needs to be asked, however, is how far below ideal care should care fall before a child gets taken away from its parents for "emotional abuse".
I am aware of a child (8) unwillingly taken from his mother who is in a children's home, not going to school and on a prozac type of medication. I have difficulty (knowing what I do about the case) thinking that his position in care is in any way better than remaining with his family. He is clearly being emotionally abused so badly where he is that it cannot be worse.
One problem in Childrens Homes is that when children squabble they call the police. This makes the children used to having the police involved and assists in a seamless transfer from children's home to prison.
The point about parents is that generally they care for the kids even if they shout at them from time to time.
Comments
I also fear they are using their definitions of emotional harm to justify removing children,or even to harrass families and persist in their lives,of parents with any kind of disability.i.e mental problems,learning disability.
It suits some social workers prejudices.
Parents are being accused of emotional abuse when they have argued due to the stress social services have caused in their lives.
Social services are misusing the definition of emotional abuse because there is no definition.
Most parents do shout at their children sometimes, but I suspect the NSPCC and social services would label parents emotionally abusive.
As someone who has experienced true emotional abuse that has a severely damaging effect,the cases I know about where social services has cited emotional abuse-I find as far removed from real emotional abuse as you can get.
In fact they are loving families and normally where there is severe emotional abuse as in my case,there is no love for the child.
I think the way some social workers badly handle cases and remove children from parents where there is love is real emotional harm and abuse.
Social services don't seem to realise that they can badly emotionally damage children by insensitive and thoughtless intervention.
10:08 PM
I Quote-YET ALL THE GOV.SIT BACK AND DO IS NOTHING FOR THE REAL CHILDREN OF BRITAIN THAT ARE SUFFERING, THE REAL FAMILIES THAT ARE SUFFERING....AS THE ONES THAT ARE ALSO ABUSING ARE GETTING AWAY WITH IT... INNOCENT PEOPLE ARE BEING HURT IN A SYSTEM WHICH HAS NOT GOT A HEART!!!!!!!!
its just mere words in print, they twist round for their favour, but the ones that are really suffering, they leave them children to suffer a life time of abuse and memories.....
MAYBE TONY BLAIR AND ALL THE OTHER MPS THAT ARE NOT YET SUPPORTING JOHN WOULD TO LOOK AT BITS OF WHAT I SENT TONY BLAIR, IN THE HOPE OF HELP FOR MY SONS......TOO LATE NOW THE DAMAGE IS DONE, AND WILL REMAIN FOR A LIFE TIME!!!!
Rita p.