Is Shouting At Your Children Child Abuse? Episode 418

In this episode, Niall asks a provocative question: Is shouting at your children a form of child abuse? The debate was sparked by a top psychologist who claimed that shouting at children — or even arguing loudly in front of them — can be just as damaging as physically slapping them. The expert warned that such behaviour can have long-lasting emotional and psychological effects, and even suggested it should be legally recognised as harmful.

Is this an overreaction? Or are we only beginning to understand the impact of verbal and emotional discipline?

Some callers strongly agreed, arguing that constant shouting creates fear, anxiety, and insecurity in children. They believe emotional abuse is often overlooked simply because it doesn’t leave bruises, and that parenting should focus on calm, respectful communication.

Others said the idea goes too far. Parenting is chaotic, stressful, and imperfect — and sometimes raising your voice is the only way to get a message across. One caller asked: “If we ban shouting, are we also banning being human?”

Others took a middle ground, saying occasional shouting doesn’t equal abuse, but that consistent yelling, insults, or aggressive behaviour can cross the line into real harm.

As Niall points out, this is about more than parenting styles — it’s about defining where discipline ends and damage begins.