Mental bullying damages children's self-confidence, expert warns

Sudden changes in a child's behavior, such as becoming unusually quiet, often daydreaming, or resisting school, should not be dismissed by parents. These shifts might signal underlying emotional wounds that a child struggles to articulate, stemming from seemingly minor words that carry significant weight in their development.

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Children build their self-concept based on what those around them say. If they are frequently mocked, they will start to believe that thing is true, thus forming a negative 'inner voice' within themselves.

Verbal bullying or mockery during the preschool years can leave deep imprints on a child's identity formation. According to registered counselor Nurfarahira Ahmad Yaccob, children build their self-concept based on what those around them say. If they are frequently mocked, they may internalize these criticisms, developing a negative inner voice.

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In Erik Erikson's theory, this phase is known as initiative versus guilt. If a child's emotions are frequently hurt, they will start to feel guilty about trying new things, become passive, and fear socializing.

This is particularly critical during the psychosocial development phase between ages three and six, known as 'initiative versus guilt' in Erik Erikson's theory. When children's emotions are frequently hurt, they may feel guilty about trying new things, become passive, and fear social interaction. This can erode their self-confidence, leading to self-doubt about their abilities or appearance.

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This change is a 'signal' that the child is facing emotional pressure and needs immediate attention from parents.

Parents are advised to be attuned to their child's emotional and behavioral shifts as early signs of distress. A previously cheerful child becoming withdrawn, moody, or isolating themselves, or experiencing sleep disturbances like sleep talking or nightmares, are signals of emotional pressure requiring immediate parental attention. The key is to validate their feelings, listen to their stories to make them feel safe, and then professionally address the issue with the school or kindergarten.

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Parents need to first recognize the child's emotions and see it as an opportunity to connect with them. Listen with empathy, give space for the child to tell their story, and help them name the feelings they are experiencing.