Psychological abuse, sometimes called emotional abuse, is the ongoing emotional maltreatment or emotional neglect of a child. It involves deliberately trying to scare, humiliate a child, isolating or ignoring them and can seriously damage their emotional health and development.

Child psychological abuse includes but is not limited to:

- Constant belittling, shaming, and humiliating a child

- Calling names and making negative comparisons to others

- Telling a child he or she is “no good," "worthless," "bad," or "a mistake."

- Frequent yelling, threatening, or bullying

- Ignoring or rejecting a child as punishment, giving him or her the silent treatment

- Limited physical contact with the child—no hugs, kisses, or other signs of affection

- Exposing the child to violence or the abuse of others, whether it be the abuse of a parent, a sibling, or even a pet

- Manipulating a child, using emotional blackmail, telling a child they won't be loved if they don't obey