We’d like to congratulate the charity Words Matter for securing a meeting with MPs to raise awareness of the harm verbal abuse can cause.
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There is a great deal of research evidence to show that exposure to cruel, negative and destructive language from adults can cause long term damage to the mental health and wellbeing of children. We are pleased to see this important issue being highlighted for the very real health risk it presents.
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Not only do children need positive and supportive communication from the adults around them in order to thrive, they also need to witness this behaviour between their parents and other adults.  
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In addition to the very clear dangers of verbal abuse being directed at children, we know that children who are exposed to destructive conflict between their parents also have a higher risk of long-term damage to their development, wellbeing and ability to form healthy relationships later on in their own lives.
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To reduce this risk, parents need to be supported to develop constructive communications skills. Whether they are together or separated, being able to handle difficult conversations, cope with stressful times and resolve disagreements effectively are vital skills which parents need to navigate challenging situations in the best interests of their children.
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Modelling good communication with each other, as well as towards their children, is one very powerful action parents can take. In recognising the importance of communication and healthy relationships for public health, we hope the government will also recognise the importance of supporting families to make the changes they need in order to develop and maintain positive parent and parent-child relationships.
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Parents who have used our resources such as Me, You and Baby Too and Getting it Right for Children have improved the way they communicate with each other and often use these skills with their children too, improving relationships across the whole family unit.  
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Verbal abuse presents a real risk and we will support any efforts to protect children and adults from the harm it can cause. It’s important to remember that destructive language, which may not be recognised as abusive, can be equally damaging. And supporting parents to develop good communication and conflict resolution skills needs to be an integral part of the agenda to educate, support and improve outcomes for children and families.