Psychological abuse

Psychological abuse is when someone uses words or actions to hurt another person's thoughts or feelings instead of their body. Think of it like hitting someone with mean words instead of hitting them with your fists. It's not okay to say mean things to others or make them feel bad about themselves.

Do you know how it feels when someone calls you a name or makes fun of you? It can make you feel sad, scared, angry or hurt. That's what it's like when someone is being psychologically abusive. It can happen at school, at home, or anywhere else.

Some common examples of psychological abuse are:

- Saying or doing things to make someone feel worthless or stupid.
- Threatening, intimidating, or controlling someone by making them feel scared or guilty.
- Ignoring or isolating someone from friends and family to make them feel alone and helpless.
- Hurting someone's self-esteem by criticizing them, mocking them or their ideas, or making them feel like they can't do anything right.

Remember, if someone is hurting you with words or actions, it's important to tell a trusted grown-up like a teacher or parent. No one deserves to be treated badly and there are people who can help.