Bullying and Stammering: How to Support Children Who Stammer
At The Stammer Space, we combine specialist Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) with mental health approaches to support people who stammer.
For many children who stammer, bullying can unfortunately be a common experience. With the right support, however, children can learn to feel safer, stronger and more confident when faced with teasing or bullying.
Our aim is not simply to change speech, but to help children feel secure in themselves as communicators.
Why Children Who Stammer May Be More at Risk
Bullying often targets differences that are visible or noticeable.
Children who stammer may experience teasing or comments about their speech because:
• Stammering is something others can hear.
• Speech may be slower or require more effort.
• It can sometimes be harder to respond quickly in conversations.
• Worry and tension can increase vulnerability and make stammering feel harder.
Over time, these experiences can lead some children to feel more self-conscious about speaking.
Understanding this risk is important because it allows adults to put the right supports in place early.
Understanding Bullying
It can be helpful for children to understand the difference between teasing and bullying.
Teasing is usually friendly and mutual. Both people are comfortable and it does not cause harm.
Bullying, on the other hand, is repeated, intentional behaviour designed to cause harm or upset.
Bullying can take different forms, including:
• Verbal bullying – mocking or making comments about someone’s speech
• Physical bullying – hitting, pushing or damaging belongings
• Social or relational bullying – exclusion, spreading rumours or encouraging others to ignore someone
• Cyberbullying – bullying that takes place online or through messages
Bullying situations often involve three roles:
• the child being targeted
• the person bullying
• bystanders who may join in, laugh, or stay silent
When children understand these dynamics, they often feel less to blame and more prepared to deal with what is happening.
How Bullying Affects Children Who Stammer
Bullying can have a powerful emotional impact.
Children who stammer may experience:
• increased shame, fear and self-consciousness
• greater tension when speaking
• avoidance of speaking situations
• reduced confidence
• lower engagement at school
Bullying can also affect progress in therapy if children begin to associate speaking with anxiety or embarrassment.
For this reason, focusing on fluency alone is often not enough. Many children also need support with the thoughts, emotions and behaviours linked to stammering.
This is where our combined SLT and mental health approach can help.
How The Stammer Space Can Help
1. Understanding the Stammer
Children learn:
• what stammering is
• why it can vary from day to day
• common myths and facts about stammering
• that stammering is not their fault
• that people who stammer can be confident and capable communicators
Reducing confusion and shame helps children feel safer and more secure.
2. Understanding Bullying
We help children learn that:
• bullying is never their fault
• bullies often act from insecurity or a desire for control
• bullying behaviour often relies on the reaction it receives
Understanding these dynamics can help children feel a greater sense of control.
3. Reducing Fear, Shame and Worry
Speech and Language Therapy strategies may include:
• desensitisation
• voluntary or pseudo-stammering
• talking openly about stammering
• building communication confidence
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) strategies may include:
• noticing and challenging negative thoughts
• reducing harsh self-criticism
• developing balanced thinking
• building emotional resilience
When fear and shame reduce, children often feel calmer and more confident responding to challenges.
4. Teaching Assertive Responses
Children practise simple, calm responses to teasing such as:
• “Yes, I stammer.”
• “I don’t like it when you say that.”
• “You said that yesterday.”
• “So?”
The aim is not perfect fluency. The aim is confidence and control.
5. Educating Peers and School Communities
Increasing understanding can reduce stigma.
Children may be supported to:
• share simple facts about stammering
• explain what helps them when speaking
• help peers understand how to be supportive
When understanding increases, bystanders often become supporters rather than passive observers.
6. Supporting Parents and Families
Parents and carers play a vital role.
We support families to:
• recognise possible signs of bullying
• listen calmly and validate emotions
• use accepting, supportive language about stammering
• help build confidence and resilience
A home environment where communication feels safe and accepted can make a huge difference.
How Parents Can Help
Parents can support their child in several ways.
Create emotional safety.
Show your child that their feelings make sense, that stammering is accepted at home and that you will listen without judgement.
Build confidence.
Focus on strengths, achievements and positive communication experiences.
Plan together.
Children often feel stronger when they have:
• practised responses to teasing
• a plan for who to speak to at school
• strategies to stay calm
• trusted adults they can turn to
Having a plan can help children feel more prepared and less alone.
How Schools Can Help
Schools also play a crucial role in supporting children who stammer.
Supportive schools may:
• develop a better understanding of stammering and its impact
• respond quickly to concerns about bullying
• allow extra time for speaking when needed
• create calm and inclusive communication environments
• maintain communication with parents and therapists
• promote empathy and respect among pupils
A supportive school environment can transform a child’s daily experience.
A child who stammers does not need to become perfectly fluent to feel confident and capable. What they need is understanding, support and the knowledge that their voice (stammer and all) deserves to be heard.