ReadOasis Step 2

Many English speaking children know this saying."Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me."

But it's not true.

If we use unkind words with children, it causes them pain. If we call children names, it makes them sad. If we willingly do not talk to children, it can be like hitting them.

When people cause pain to others with words, this is called "verbal abuse." Scientists are studying this problem. In a 2010 study, Doctor Martin Teicher an...