What is Your Experience? Do your littlies swear like sailors? More Stories | AN online survey has revealed 42 per cent of children first use bad language by three years of age. By kindergarten, more than 90 per cent of children have uttered their first rude word, leaving parents in shock, a survey has found. Swear words starting with "f" and "s" were the most common first naughty word. Bloody, used by 5 per cent of children as their first bad word, ranks as the third most common. The two most popular expletives each was expressed by 28 per cent of children. Linguistics expert Kate Burridge said it was not surprising children experiment with swearing as lively language is very much part of our vernacular. "They soon learn they get maximum attention (with a curse word)", Professor Burridge, of Monash University, said. "In the old days they might have had their mouths washed out with soap or been sent to the bedroom with no supper but they get maximum attention and learn how potent these words are." Parents admit their children often heard their first curse at home (52.7 per cent) but the overwhelming majority (78.4 per cent) actively discourage swearing. The second most common place for children to pick up obscenities was in the playground at school or pre-school (48.2 per cent) followed by television (31 per cent). "By kindergarten, more than 90 per cent of children have uttered their first rude word, leaving parents in shock" Sitting in the back seat of the car is another good place for kids to learn foul language (15 per cent). Parents who generally refrain from swearing admit stressful driving situations have caused them unintentionally to use bad language in front of their child (9.7 per cent). Etiquette expert June Dally-Watkins said the level of swearing on TV and in public was unacceptable. "I think it is disgusting and should be taboo," she said. "Parents should not permit it. Swearing is ugly. There is too much bad language going on and too much on television." Ms Dally-Watkins said parents posting clips of swearing toddlers on YouTube was horrifying. Most parents agree with her. Professor Burridge said foul language was not considered as bad as racist, sexist or religionist language. He advised parents did not need to panic if their child swore. "It is probably best to treat these as ordinary words," she said. "They have always been an important part of the vernacular." |
9 Comments
GB of perth
6/11/2012 01:20:40 pm
In my experience, they're often encouraged by older siblings, or grand parents with a sense of humour. One of the funniest things ever is a 3 year old looking up at dad saying "you a kn0b" when dad's done something dumb. In this case, she'd been carefully coached by Nanna.
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hazel
6/11/2012 01:22:04 pm
My son caught me in a fit of road rage and I said “seriously fucker” to the car that cut me off. Almost immediately he says “fucker mommy?”. I told him not to say that and that was basically all the ammo he needed to go full on with the fuckery. He did that for a month then it stopped. Now it’s back and it’s paired with “shut up”. I’m assuming he got shut up from school seeing as though I don’t tell him shut up and there is no one else here that he could have heard me say that to. I don’t even think I use that phrase to much.
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6/21/2012 11:26:59 pm
Thank you for posting the great content…I was looking for something like this…I found it quiet interesting, hopefully you will keep posting such blogs….Keep sharing
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8/19/2012 08:01:02 pm
In my experience, they're often encouraged by older siblings, or grand parents with a sense of humour. One of the funniest things ever is a 3 year old looking up at dad saying "you a kn0b" when dad's done something dumb. In this case, she'd been carefully coached by Nanna.
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ED
8/19/2012 08:54:35 pm
Yes - I agree - it can be hard for parents to deal with this issue
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7/16/2013 06:38:15 pm
Bad words using by kids at the age of less than 3 years is one of the main concern for parents these days. In a recent survey it has been found out that 90 per cent of children are using rude word which is a shocker to their parents. As per Linguistic experts, to avoid this parents should take extreme care on their children. Thanks for sharing this informative article.
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9/23/2013 07:03:47 pm
Very Enjoyable! I hope you write more on this subject! I found lots of interesting information here. Thanks for sharing this article, great way of bring such topic to discussion
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7/25/2013 08:53:02 pm
I have to search sites with relevant information on given topic and provide them to teacher our opinion and the article.
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