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Helping Youth Overcome Name Calling and Build Inner Strength

Most people remember a moment from childhood when someone said something really unkind. Even a short comment can stay with a young person longer than we expect. This is why name calling and teasing deserve more attention than the old phrase “sticks and stones” suggests. These experiences touch many parts of a child’s emotional well being and can slowly begin to affect how they see themselves and how safe they feel.

Young people take these moments to heart. Some keep the hurt quiet, while others show it through stress, irritability, or changes in behavior. When adults and peers understand the weight of these moments, they can intervene with patience and guidance. 

No Name Calling Week takes place this year from January 19th through the 23rd. This awareness week was created with the initiative to push farther beyond awareness and encourage real action throughout schools, homes, and communities. It helps make adults and peers more aware of the words being used, especially the ones that are often brushed off as jokes or harmless teasing. No Name Calling Week holds space for honest conversations, early intervention, and modeling empathy in the everyday moments. When this language is taken seriously, youth are far more likely to feel safe, respected, and supported. More information and resources about No Name Calling Week are available through GLSEN and can be found here.

Why This Matters for Youth Mental Wellness

Bullying and name calling remain a common occurrence throughout schools and communities. Between 2021 and 2023, around 34 percent of teens reported being bullied at least once in the previous year. Those who experienced bullying were incredibly more likely to experience symptoms of anxiety and depression. (CDC)

Another study found that many kids who face bullying related stress do not feel comfortable asking for help, especially when the behavior is brushed off as just normal childhood conflict. This shows just how vital it is for adults to notice early signs and support youth mental wellness in consistent ways.

When a caring adult listens and responds with true empathy, tension lowers almost immediately. When fellow peers exhibit kindness or use their voice to speak up, it reminds the child that they aren’t facing this alone. Every one of these moments supports building confidence in youth.

What Adults Can Do to Support Emotional Well Being

There are many different simple approaches that help to create safer and more supportive spaces.

  • Start with open conversation – Let the child or teen describe what happened in their own words. Being heard/listened to brings about a sense of relief on its own.
  • Focus on the behavior – Pointing out what happened rather than labeling the child or the peer involved helps keep the conversation calm and clear.
  • Model respect and care – Young people learn a lot by observing the way the adults around them interact. When adults show patience, honesty, and kindness, kids naturally utilize those same skills.
  • Help them reconnect with their strengths – Confidence grows through real experiences. Art, sports, music, writing, group activities, and mentoring can all help a young person rediscover what makes them feel both capable and grounded.
  • Encourage supportive peer connections – Children feel safer when they know their friends or classmates care about them. Activities that help to build trust or teamwork can reduce the emotional impact of teasing and social conflict.

How Western Youth Services Supports Bullying Prevention

Western Youth Services offers a Bullying Prevention and Intervention Training that gives schools and community partners practical tools to protect child emotional well being. You can access it through the RESET Toolbox on our website. The training helps adults and students:

  • Understand the different forms bullying can take on, including subtle teasing or repeated name calling
  • Use bullying prevention strategies that encourage early and gentle intervention
  • Strengthen building confidence in youth through connection, structure, and coping strategies
  • Create school environments where every child feels respected, valued, and safe

These trainings are interactive, realistic, and built around supporting young people through daily challenges, not just major incidents.

Additional Resources for Families and Educators

Beyond the services offered by Western Youth Services, families and schools can gain additional support from trusted organizations such as:

Each of these resources plays a meaningful role in deepening youth mental wellness across communities.

Overcoming name calling is not about acting as if words don’t hurt or don’t have an impact. It’s about helping young people feel stronger and more supported to face the behavior they are experiencing. With patience, compassion, and attention, caring adults can help children rebuild confidence and feel safe again.

Western Youth Services continues to support youth, families, and educators as they create communities where kindness is encouraged, voices are respected, and every child can grow into a healthy sense of self.

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