What are children picking up from Donald Trump's antics?

Every time Donald Trump says something outrageous, we tend to hear about it.

Over the past few months the candidate currently leading the field of contenders for the Republican nomination has made repeated personal attacks on his opponents and taken swipes at broad groups of people in society.

His remarks have made headlines over and over again. They will likely continue to do so, as long as Trump remains a viable candidate for the presidential nomination.

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While many adults may choose to tune out Trump, it's hard to say if children do the same — and how his widely-disseminated insults may affect their perception of appropriate behaviour.

Mike Neuts, an anti-bullying advocate from southwestern Ontario, said it is certain children are paying attention to what is coming out of Trump's mouth, even if they don't fully understand it.

"I don't know that young kids know what hatred and sexism and racism and homophobia is, but they do know that a man running for president is talking about other people's religion, beliefs, food, why they wear glasses…and they mimic everything we have to say and do and it's not a good thing," Neuts told CBC Radio's Afternoon Drive in an interview on Wednesday.

Neuts believes the kind of behaviour Trump is displaying is also being widely practised by politicians in general, though that doesn't excuse it.

"Mr. Trump, by all means, is by far the worst and sits at the top of the castle, so to speak," he said.

'Easier to be nice and respectful'

Asked what advice he would give to parents whose children are taking in these events, Neuts said he believes it is best for people to be taught to be respectful to others — for very practical reasons.

"It is easier to be nice and respectful than to be mean and to be a bully," he said. "When we present ourselves as tough people, tough people come looking for us."

Neuts became an advocate following the tragic death of his 10-year-old son Myles, nearly two decades ago.

In February 1998, his son was found hanging from a coat hook in the washroom of a Chatham elementary school. He was placed on that hook by two bullies.

Long after his son's death, Mike Neuts continues to push for children to understand the consequences that their behaviour and bullying can have.

He admits that the behaviour displayed by Trump is having an effect on him.

"I think it's pretty much unavoidable. I think I have the pulse of it and it's a stressor," he said.