Psychological Maltreatment in Schooling

Maltreatment of children occurs not only within the family. There is a growing awareness that it occurs in other child care settings, including schools. The majority of maltreatment to which students are subjected is psychological in nature. This article describes five conditions of psychological maltreatment which occur in the context of schooling: (a) discipline and control through fear and intimidation; (b) low quantity and quality of human interaction; (c) limited opportunities to develop competency and self-worth; (d) encouragement to be dependent; and (e) denial of opportunities for healthy risk-taking. It clarifies the issues associated with these conditions and it provides direction for combatting them.