Language & Its Influence on Children: Why we should expect more from our leaders

We know bullying doesn’t begin in middle school hallways.  It does rear its ugly head there but I believe it begins in living rooms…sometimes in press rooms and from podiums. It begins when children see adults use power to belittle. Research published in the Journal of Adolescent Health confirms that children exposed to demeaning communication by adults are more likely to mimic that behavior with peers. If it isn’t addressed, it can evolve into adulthood. Thus creating a cycle of verbal aggression that becomes normalized.

When adults use mockery or intimidation, they’re not just expressing anger, they’re modeling what power looks like. Boys begin to associate dominance with manhood. Girls internalize that their voices don’t carry the same worth. And all kids learn that empathy is optional.

That’s not leadership. That’s cowardice.