Teenage and their use of Foul Language

Few days ago, I came across 2 groups of teenagers (on separate occasions), one group was at a shopping mall and the other group was at a park. So what's wrong with them? Their voices were loud and the excessive, shocking use of foul/ vulgar language. They were not scolding anyone, they are just engaging in their normal conversations. But it do catch the attention of passer-by, if that is their intention..

Language is a gaining new ground for teenage. Where conversations with swear words are all the rage, especially in schools, pubs, discos, movies and all those places teens frequent. It’s maybe labelled as the most ‘hip’ fashion statement followed by teenagers today. While most elders are absolutely disgusted with this, teenagers, on the other hand, think it’s simply cool.

Why is it happening?

SWEAR TO FIT ‘IN’? Often, teenagers resort to foul/ vulgar language to seek attention. It is also done because they find it difficult asserting themselves, and also that they cannot tackle issues tactfully.

Therefore, aggression overpowers their senses and they resort to foul/vulgar language out of frustration or bottled up stress. Most teenagers today are in rebellious mode and very keen on experimenting with something new — it could also be the reason behind them falling prey to this new fad.

They want to ‘fit in.

However, teenagers who used foul/vulgar language, did not do it intentionally to hurt anyone. It was done without any bad feeling. It was basically a very done thing in school. Everyone thought it was cool and so they followed them blindly.

All that peer pressure and influence are definitely the main reasons behind this. Mostly their age is between 15 and 18. After that a person tends to get a little more conscious of the language he/ she is using. Of course, sometimes this kind of behaviour carries on for a longer period of time.

How can one control and prevent teenagers from using foul/ abusive language?
- Start from home. Use good language at home, and be clear about how you feel about inappropriate language
- Set rules at home that the teenager is required to observe in school as well. They must avoid the use of vulgar language at any cost. A firm stare or sharp reminder should be enough
- Teach a new vocabulary, substitute harmless words (eg. 'shit’ with ‘shiv’).
- Learn how to react. Giving them the satisfaction of doing that will only encourage them.
- It always helps, if in a group with their friends, sit them down and ask them why they use this language and let them come up with solutions. They will feel they have support to pitch in their point of view.

For teens:
- Make an effort not to use abusive language even while joking around.
- Follow your mind, and avoid getting influenced. You are your best judge.
- In case you blurt out foul language in frustration, make it a point to apologize.