College of Law

: The Silent Wound in Our Children’s Childhood

A specialized legal article by Dr. Ahmed Faris Idris – Faculty of Law – Specialization: International Human Rights Law

Introduction

While the family is supposed to be a warm embrace and a safe place that enhances a child’s self-confidence, sometimes the roles are reversed, and this environment turns into a primary source of psychological harm, through what is known as domestic bullying. This type of bullying may be intentional or unintentional, but in both cases, it leaves a profound and long-lasting impact on the child’s psychology and future behavior.

What is domestic bullying?

Domestic bullying is the repeated use of insulting, mocking, comparing, or belittling language by a family member (father, mother, brother, uncle, grandfather, etc.) toward a child, whether about their appearance, academic achievement, behavior, tone of voice, or skin color. This is often disguised as humor, praise, or even excessive pampering, which reinforces negative traits.

But it leaves a profound psychological impact.

A child who is called names such as “stupid,” “black,” “fat,” “you don’t understand,” “fail,” etc., doesn’t just hear words; he adopts them as an image of himself. A shattered identity is formed within him, and he may feel ashamed of himself and hate his body or abilities. Over time:

• He either becomes a victim living in isolation and depression.

• Or he turns into a bully who reproduces what he experienced, but on others. Here begins a dangerous cycle: from victim to bully to new victims.

The first manifestation of the problem in society: School: When a child enters school, it is assumed to be his gateway to social interaction. Unfortunately, however, he may bully his classmates or become a new victim himself. He begins to mock those weaker than him—fat, poor, stuttering, academically lagging behind—an unconscious defense mechanism stemming from his inner pain.

We must realize that nurturing is not raising children. Many parents confuse “nurturing” with “raising children.” • Care: food, drink, clothing, medical treatment, school enrollment.

• Education: respect, building self-confidence, teaching values, encouragement, emotional support, and avoiding humiliation.

The absence of proper upbringing makes a child vulnerable to bullying and increases the likelihood of them engaging in or being harmed by it.

Bullying in the Context of Iraqi Law

Although the term “bullying” is relatively new in Arab law, Iraqi law—specifically Penal Code No. 111 of 1969—contains provisions that can be applied to acts of bullying, especially if they cause psychological or physical harm.

Most relevant articles:

• Article 434: Anyone who defames or insults a person with expressions that offend their dignity or damage their reputation shall be punished by imprisonment or a fine.

• Article 433: Slander and defamation are crimes punishable by law.

• Article 240: Acts that violate public morals or cause insult or social unrest shall be punished.

• Child Protection Law No. 3 of 2014 (some articles are currently being implemented): This law provides protection from psychological and physical violence, including verbal abuse by parents.

Although the law does not explicitly define “bullying,” associated acts (insults, public ridicule, incitement, and psychological harm) are all criminalized. The child or their representative has the right to file a legal complaint, and courts may rely on these articles.

Recommendations

1. Raise awareness among parents through community and media campaigns that words leave lasting scars.

2. Include the topic of bullying in educational curricula and school guidance programs.

3. Enact a specific law to combat bullying and clarify its penalties, especially in educational and home settings.

4. The media’s role should be to raise awareness, not to showcase painful bullying cases for the sake of trending.

5. Train educational counselors and psychologists to monitor cases of domestic bullying and provide support.