Harsh words hurt children, says MP

NORTH East MP has spoken out about how verbal abuse ‘towards children “goes under the radar” amid shocking statistics showing two in five kids experience it.

- SAM VOLPE

Sharon Hodgson MP, who represents Washington and Gateshead South, is backing work from campaign group Words Matter.

‘The group held an event in Parliament at which a number of eminent professors joined forces to discuss the issue and what can be done.

Ms Hodgson said: “Important progress has been made in tackling physical and sexual abuse through awareness and intervention.

“But verbal abuse has remained under the radar.

“As we've heard [here], it is now the most common form of child maltreatment, with significant and lasting harm.

“I'm proud to support Words Matter in bringing experts together to start the essential conversations needed to build interventions, break down barriers to opportunity, and help every child thrive.”