Profanity from students in the classroom is common today. Unfortunately, students and children use inappropriate language. They swear daily. For some children, profanity is a natural part of the household. However, students must understand profanity is not appropriate in school. And, it is a choice students make as they use it.
Because students hear swear words at home, it naturally comes out of their mouths. Children hear inappropriate language through the media. It is on television, in music and on movies. The entertainment industry glamorizes inappropriate language. Therefore, students think it is cool. It is up to the school to set standards for the use of unacceptable language.
Profanity Impacts
Children need to learn to use other words and expand their vocabulary. Besides, words have powerful results. Therefore, they create feelings of love, hate, aggression or tranquility. Kids understand that words are powerful. And, there are certain words that make an impression. It is imperative that children be taught that inappropriate words hurt. Particularly as students use inappropriate language to describe others.
Students have to learn that language is a reflection on them and who they are. Therefore, a student that uses profanity looks immature. We must teach students there is a time and place for cursing. Parents and teachers must encourage students to substitute a creative alternative to a commonly used swear word. And, discuss the reasons why a child or student swears.
Reasons for Profanity
There are many reasons why children use inappropriate language.
• Sometimes bad language just happens. It is an accident because of repeating what is heard in or out of the home environment.
• At times, frustration with a task causes profanity.
• And, profanity gets attention or a reaction.
• Often, the inappropriate language is intended to hurt someone.
• Moreover, children curse to fit into a crowd of peers.
• Occasionally, a swear word will slip by accident. A young child may be rhyming, or there is an attempt to create new words.
Certain words are bad for young children to hear. The American Academy of Pediatrics states that exposure to profanity is dangerous. It causes aggression in children. Also, it numbs a child’s normal emotional reactions. However, there is no proof that ordinary profanity causes any harm. All in all, the classroom is no place for profane words.
