Question

Lexxx

Would you consider screaming, shouting and swearing at children under the age of five child abuse?

maypole

I would find it very disconcerting and if it was constant, it would probably be abuse of some sort. Feel very sorry for a child having to put up with that.

faerie~spangles

Yes, I would.

thorsoak

Lexxx wrote: »

Would you consider screaming, shouting and swearing at children under the age of five child abuse?

Personally, I would consider it abuse when directed at anyone - but especially when directed at children under the age of 5 - they're just babies!

neneromanova

Shouting : no, Everyone shouts at their child at some point. Shouting constantly : Yes.

Screaming and swearing : Very much child abuse! No one should be screamed or swore at!

SqueekyMouse

I wouldn't say it was "child abuse" as that phase (to me at least) has connotations involving physical/sexual abuse or neglect which would necessitate the involvement of social services.

However I would say it is abuse in the same way as it would be to an adult. Having said that behaving this way to a child robs them of their innocence and so is far worse than behaving in this way to an adult IMO

pinksk8

Yes, I would find it intimidating and Im 29, Ive been unfortunate to witness it before and its heartbreaking.

A friends new husband was literally screaming "***k off" at his 5 & 6 year old children because they were asking him to show them a magic trick. Not been round since.

meritaten

tbh - if it was a rare occurence then no, its not child abuse - its a parent at the end of thier tether. if its regular and frequent then YES, it is being abusive.

thegirlintheattic

Shouting or non-directed swearing occasionaly - no
Screaming, shouting and swearing at child - yes.

Lexxx

I find it scary and intimidating, when i hear it.
New neighbours, its several times a day, Some days i jump out of my skin, it scares me when the dad has a go, his voice is so deep and bellowing.

They are very aware that whatt they are doing is wrong, because in front of me, mum is lovely & sweet and very patient with kids, behind closed doors... Oh my! a VERY different story.

mummyoftwomonkeys

I wouldn't class it as child abuse. I think everyone shouts at their kids at one time or another, we shouldn't swear but sadly for some people its a way of life, having worked in a shop for about 12 years I have seen the shouty mums and their kids lots of times and I have one living next door to me . I went out earlier as i needed to go to the shop for something and I have awful shoulder ache at the mo, both my kids kept running off and wouldn't do as their told so I had to shout, I probably sounded mad to people around me but I would hope people wouldn't class me as abusing them.