Promoting greater understanding in peers of children who stammer

Abstract

Children who stammer are often negatively stereotyped by other children and by teachers. They can also be easily identified as targets for teasing and bullying by peers. This may adversely affect their interaction levels in school and lower their self‐esteem. This article suggests an approach aimed at reducing the development of adverse attitudes and behaviours. It describes presentations about stammering given to 9–11‐year‐olds. It shows how these can increase children's understanding of this speech difficulty and alter their negative behaviour towards a child in their class who stammers. A case study is used to illustrate the benefits of such a presentation for one such child who stammers.

Keywords:

• Stammer
• Stutter
• Peers
• Bullying
• Stereotyping