Bullying and Stuttering: How to Support a Child Who Stutters
Updated: Aug 10
Hearing that your child is being teased because of the way they speak can be heartbreaking. Unfortunately, children who stutter are at a greater risk of being bullied than many of their peers.
Bullying can affect much more than speech. It can impact confidence, friendships, classroom participation, and a child's willingness to communicate.
The good news is that there are practical ways parents, teachers, and speech-language pathologists can work together to support children who stutter and help them respond with confidence.
In this article, we'll discuss why children who stutter are more likely to be bullied, the effects bullying can have, and strategies to help your child navigate these situations successfully.
In this blog post, we will talk about:
What is Bullying?
Bullying is repeated behavior intended to hurt, embarrass, intimidate, or exclude another person. It may include verbal comments, physical actions, social exclusion, or online harassment. Children who are bullied may experience fear, sadness, anxiety, lower self-esteem, or reluctance to attend school and participate in social situations.
Children who stutter are not the only people who experience bullying. However, differences in speech can make some children an easier target for teasing or hurtful comments. Bullying is never acceptable, and adults should take concerns seriously and respond as early as possible.
What Are the Signs of Stuttering?
Stuttering is a communication disorder that affects the flow of speech. A child or adult who stutters knows exactly what they want to say but may have difficulty saying it smoothly because of differences in how the brain coordinates the timing and movements needed for speech.
Every person who stutters is different. Some people experience occasional repetitions, while others have longer blocks or noticeable physical tension. Stuttering may also vary from one day to the next or from one speaking situation to another.
Common signs of stuttering include:
Getting stuck on sounds or words
Repeating sounds, syllables, or words
Stretching out sounds
Some children and adults who stutter may also blink their eyes, tense their facial muscles, look away, or avoid certain words because they anticipate stuttering. These behaviors are called secondary characteristics and often develop over time as a person reacts to repeated moments of stuttering.
If you'd like to learn more about what causes stuttering, the different types of stuttering, and evidence-based treatment approaches, read my Speech Therapy for Stuttering: A Comprehensive Guide.
Common Myths About Stuttering
Myth 1: Stuttering is caused by nervousness
Many people notice that they stutter more when they feel nervous, excited, or under pressure. While anxiety does not cause developmental stuttering, it can make stuttering more noticeable by increasing physical tension and communication pressure.
If you've ever wondered why stuttering often seems worse during stressful situations, you may also enjoy reading How to Stop Stuttering When Nervous: Causes, Strategies, and When Speech Therapy Can Help.
Current research suggests that stuttering is the result of many factors working together. Some of these factors include genetics, language development, and brain structure and function.
Genetics: Stuttering often runs in families. Many children who stutter have another family member who currently stutters or stuttered as a child.
Language Development: Stuttering often occurs between the ages of 2 and 4 when language abilities are expanding. Because stuttering is most prevalent during this age, research suggests that there may be a correlation between language development and stuttering.
Brain Structure and Function: Brain imaging studies have found differences in how the brains of people who stutter process and coordinate speech. These findings support that stuttering is a neurological communication disorder rather than something a person chooses to do.
Myth 2: Stuttering is a result of poor parenting
In the 1940s, the theory that poor parenting led to stuttering was proposed (called the diagnosogenic theory). While poor parenting does not cause stuttering, supportive and understanding parenting can play an important role in helping a child who stutters manage the disorder effectively.
Myth 3: Stuttering is a sign of low intelligence
Stuttering is not indicative of intelligence level. Many people who stutter are intelligent and excel in various aspects of life.
Myth 4: Stuttering only impacts speech
Listeners often only hear a stutter and therefore think stuttering impacts only speech; however, stuttering impacts much more. Learn more about the emotional, social, and academic impact of stuttering in my Speech Therapy for Stuttering: A Comprehensive Guide.
Myth 5: Stuttering is caused by a trauma
Stuttering can be caused by trauma, also known as psychogenic stuttering. This is extremely rare. The most common type of stuttering is developmental.
How Stuttering Can Affect a Child
Stuttering can affect much more than a child's speech. While every child who stutters has a unique experience, stuttering may influence confidence, friendships, school participation, and overall quality of life. Understanding these challenges can help parents recognize when additional support may be beneficial.
Social and Emotional Impact
Stuttering can affect a child's confidence and self-esteem. Some children become frustrated when they have difficulty expressing themselves, while others begin worrying about how classmates, teachers, or other people will react to their speech. Over time, these concerns may cause children to speak less, avoid participating, or become anxious in certain speaking situations.
Education Challenges
Stuttering can make classroom participation more difficult. Some children avoid raising their hand, reading aloud, answering questions, or giving presentations—not because they don't know the answer, but because they worry about stuttering in front of their classmates. Over time, avoiding these opportunities may affect confidence both inside and outside the classroom.
Interpersonal Relationships
Stuttering can affect friendships and family interactions if a child feels embarrassed about speaking or worries about being interrupted, teased, or misunderstood. Supportive friends, family members, and teachers can play an important role in helping children feel comfortable communicating.
Social Avoidance
Some children begin avoiding speaking situations, changing words they think will be difficult, or letting others speak for them. Others stop participating in clubs, sports, or activities that involve talking. Over time, avoiding communication can have a greater impact on quality of life than the stuttering itself.
Stress
Many children begin anticipating situations where they think they might stutter, such as reading aloud, introducing themselves, ordering food, or answering questions in class. This anticipation can increase stress before speaking, frustration during the moment, and worry afterward about how others reacted.
Many parents also notice that their child stutters much more in some situations than others. For example, a child may stutter frequently during conversations but very little when talking to themselves or playing alone. If you've ever wondered why that happens, read Why Don't We Stutter When We're Alone?
Negative Self-Image
Repeated experiences with stuttering—especially when accompanied by teasing, interruptions, or negative reactions from others—can contribute to a negative self-image. Children may begin believing they are poor communicators when, in reality, they simply communicate differently.
Quality of Life
Overall, stuttering can influence communication, friendships, school participation, extracurricular activities, and emotional well-being. With the right support, children can develop confidence, advocate for themselves, and continue participating in the activities that matter most to them.
If you're looking for a deeper understanding of how stuttering affects children and adults, treatment options, and what therapy looks like, read my Speech Therapy for Stuttering: A Comprehensive Guide.
How Bullying Can Affect a Child Who Stutters
As discussed above, stuttering can affect a child's confidence, participation, and willingness to communicate. When bullying is added, those challenges often become even greater. Recognizing the signs of bullying early allows parents, teachers, and speech-language pathologists to work together to support the child before the emotional impact becomes more significant.
Children do not always tell adults they are being bullied. Instead, the first signs are often changes in behavior at home, at school, or during activities they previously enjoyed.
Changes in behavior both online and in person
You may notice your child becoming more withdrawn, anxious, or avoiding certain people, places, or activities. They may suddenly lose interest in activities they previously enjoyed, seem reluctant to attend school, or become unusually upset after spending time online or with peers.
Avoidance of school or social situations
Your child may avoid social situations, friends, or other group activities. They may have unexplained illnesses that keep them home from school.
Changes in eating or sleeping patterns
Bullying can affect a child's physical and emotional well-being. Some children lose their appetite, while others may have difficulty falling asleep, wake frequently during the night, or experience nightmares.
Drop in academic performance
Children who are being bullied often have more difficulty concentrating in class. They may seem distracted, reluctant to participate, or begin bringing home lower grades despite previously doing well in school.
Changes in self-esteem
Children who are bullied may begin making negative comments about themselves or their speech. Statements such as "Nobody likes me," "I'm bad at talking," or "I don't want to go to school" should always be taken seriously.
When Should Parents Seek Help?
If you suspect your child is being bullied because they stutter, don't wait for the situation to become more serious. Speaking with your child's teacher, school staff, and speech-language pathologist early can help address concerns before they begin affecting your child's confidence and participation. Early support also gives children the opportunity to learn strategies for responding to teasing and continuing to communicate confidently.
If your child is becoming more aware of their stuttering or avoiding speaking situations, learn more about Stuttering Therapy for Children, Teens, and Adults and how therapy can help build confidence and communication skills.
Practical Strategies to Help a Child Who Stutters Handle Bullying
If you suspect your child is being bullied because they stutter, it's important to reach out to their teacher, speech-language pathologist, and other school personnel as soon as possible. Addressing bullying is most effective when parents, educators, and therapists work together as a team.
In fact, it is important that teachers recognize the diverse characteristics among children early on, emphasizing that these differences should never be a target for bullying. Every child has characteristics that make them unique. Some children have red hair, some wear glasses, some have braces, and some stutter. These differences should never become reasons for bullying.
Here are some specific strategies you can use to support your child who stutters and faces bullying:
Help Your Child Understand Bullying
It is important for your child to understand why there are bullies and where this behavior comes from. Children who bully others often struggle with accepting differences, managing their own emotions, or feeling good about themselves. Helping your child understand that bullying reflects the bully—not them—can reduce feelings of self-blame.
Teach your child to accept their stutter
Bullies often look for children they believe will have a strong emotional reaction. While we cannot control a bully's behavior, helping children become more accepting of their stuttering can reduce the power bullying has over them.
As children become more accepting of their stuttering, many also become more comfortable communicating. They often develop greater confidence, participate in situations they once avoided, and learn that stuttering does not define who they are. These changes not only improve quality of life but can also lessen the emotional impact of bullying.
Teach your child that it is okay to stutter. Once your child becomes more accepting of their stutter, the bullying will have less of an impact on them. Additionally, as they become more accepting of their stutter, they will be able to stutter with less tension and more confidence. With increased confidence, they can engage in activities they once avoided and participate more fully in their lives. All of this will not only have a positive impact on them and their lives, but also reduce the impact of bullying.
Teach your child how to respond to a bully
Nonverbal Ways to Respond to the bully
Seek help - talk with a teacher nearby and let them know about the situation.
Ignore the bully - walk away from the bully and remind yourself that he is just a bully, what he says is just being used to hurt you.
Protect yourself - pretend you have a protective shield around yourself where all hurtful words are deflected.
Ignore the bully, imagine what you would say, tell someone - Ignore the bully and imagine what you would want to say to him. Later, tell an adult what you may have said to him.
Verbal Responses a Child Can Use
Agree with the bully (for example: "Yeah, I stutter!")
Ask a question (for example: "It took you that long to figure it out?")
Reflect the comment (for example: Why would you say that to me?")
Take it as a compliment (for example: "Thanks for noticing.")
Say something that makes it hard for the bully to respond (For example: "And?")
Use humor (For example: "Yes, what I say is so important, it needs to be said 2 or 3 times.")
Every child is different, and there is no single "right" response to bullying. Some children feel more comfortable ignoring teasing, while others prefer using humor, calmly responding, or asking an adult for help. Practicing these responses ahead of time can help children feel more prepared if bullying occurs.
Can Speech Therapy Help a Child Who Is Being Bullied?
While speech therapy cannot stop bullying, it can help children develop the confidence and communication skills needed to respond more effectively.
Therapy may help children:
• become more comfortable talking about their stuttering
• reduce fear and avoidance of speaking situations
• practice responding to questions or teasing
• build confidence when communicating with peers and adults
• educate parents and teachers about ways to support communication
Every child who stutters has different goals. For some, therapy focuses on reducing physical tension during speech. For others, the emphasis is on building confidence, improving communication, and participating more fully in everyday life.
Learn more about my Stuttering Therapy for Children, Teens, and Adults and how therapy is individualized to each person's communication goals.
In-Person Speech Therapy for Children who Stutter in Skokie, IL
At Speak with Stephanie, I provide individualized in-home stuttering therapy for children throughout Skokie and Chicago's North Shore.
Therapy is tailored to each child's unique needs and goals. While reducing the frequency and severity of stuttering may be one goal, therapy also focuses on building confidence, decreasing communication avoidance, and helping children feel more comfortable speaking in everyday situations.
I also collaborate with parents, teachers, and other professionals to create consistent strategies across home and school, helping children become more confident communicators both inside and outside the classroom.
Learn more about Stuttering Therapy for Children, Teens, and Adults or schedule a free consultation to discuss how therapy may help your child.
Online Speech Therapy for Children who Stutter Throughout Illinois & New York
In addition to in-home therapy, I also provide online stuttering therapy for children and teens throughout Illinois and New York.
Online therapy offers the same individualized, evidence-based approach while allowing families to receive services from the comfort of home. Sessions are interactive, engaging, and tailored to each child's communication goals. Whether therapy takes place online or in person, my focus is on helping children become more confident communicators while providing parents with practical strategies to support progress between sessions.
Learn more about my Stuttering Therapy services or schedule a free consultation to discuss whether in-home or online therapy is the best fit for your child.
Learn more about Online Speech Therapy if you're interested in virtual services.
Additional Speech Therapy Services Offered at Speak with Stephanie throughout Illinois, New York, & New Jersey
Although this article focuses on stuttering, I also provide individualized speech therapy for children with a variety of communication needs.
You may also be interested in learning more about:
Each therapy plan is individualized to meet your child's unique strengths, challenges, and communication goals.communication objectives with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions about Stuttering & Bullying
When does stuttering begin?
It is most common for children between the ages of 2 and 6 to go through periods of disfluency. Whether this becomes a long-term stuttering disorder depends on a variety of factors including genetics, gender, developmental factors, neurological factors, language processing, and psychological factors (more can be read about this here).
Can stuttering be cured?
Although there is no definitive cure for stuttering, there is a greater chance of recovery for young children.
Are there any organizations that support children who stutter?
The National Stuttering Association (NSA) stands as a remarkable organization catering to parents of children who stutter. Providing an array of resources, support groups, and comprehensive information regarding various treatment options, NSA serves as a reliable support system for families navigating through stuttering challenges.
Similarly, the Stuttering Foundation emerges as another invaluable resource for families grappling with stuttering.
Can bullying make stuttering more frequent?
Bullying does not cause developmental stuttering, but it can increase stress, communication anxiety, and avoidance of speaking situations. As a result, some children may appear to stutter more in situations where they feel judged or embarrassed.
If you've noticed your child stutters more during stressful situations, you may also find my article on How to Stop Stuttering When Nervous helpful.
Should I tell my child's teacher about their stuttering?
Yes. Teachers play an important role in creating a supportive classroom environment. Sharing information about your child's communication strengths, challenges, and helpful strategies can help reduce misunderstandings and encourage classroom participation.
Should my child tell classmates they stutter?
Every child is different. Some children feel comfortable explaining their stuttering to classmates, while others prefer not to. A speech-language pathologist can help children decide whether self-advocacy is appropriate and practice what they would like to say.
When should my child see a speech-language pathologist?
If your child has been stuttering for several months, appears frustrated by their speech, is avoiding talking, or is becoming upset by teasing or bullying, an evaluation by a speech-language pathologist is recommended.
About the author:
Stephanie Jeret, M.S., CCC-SLP, is a speech-language pathologist and owner of Speak with Stephanie, a private speech therapy practice serving children, teens, and adults in Skokie and Chicago's North Shore.
With more than 10 years of experience, Stephanie provides individualized therapy for speech sound disorders, language disorders, stuttering, and other communication challenges. She offers in-home, school-based, and online speech therapy, with a focus on helping clients build practical communication skills they can use in everyday life.
Wondering if speech therapy may be a good fit for you or your child?
Schedule a free consultation with Stephanie to discuss your concerns and learn more about therapy options.
