Why Do Children Use Foul Language? Experts Weigh In

It's a common misconception that children are always innocent and pure. But the reality is, sometimes they use foul language. While this may raise eyebrows, it's important to understand the reasons behind this behavior.

Understanding the Roots of Foul Language in Children

Child, adolescent, and family psychologist Rosdiana Setyaningrum offers a compelling explanation: children learn by observing and imitating. She emphasizes, "Children tend to imitate the behaviors they observe." This means if children witness their parents using harsh language frequently, they're likely to adopt this style of speech.

However, the influence doesn't always come from the family. Rosdiana points out, "I've encountered several cases where children learned foul language from the games they played." This highlights the impact of online content on children's language acquisition.

Children who engage in online gaming and social media consumption are exposed to a wide range of content, including potentially harmful language. They may mimic what they see, leading to the adoption of foul language.

Parental Guidance and Responsibility

Given the potential for negative influence from online content, parents are encouraged to supervise their children's use of electronic devices until they reach the age of 12. This supervision not only helps prevent foul language but also safeguards children from exposure to violent or pornographic content.

Parents should approach this guidance with understanding and patience. Rosdiana underlines, "At this age, children are considered capable of understanding cause and effect." This emphasizes the importance of open communication and age-appropriate education about online content.

Parents have a crucial role in shaping their children's communication habits. They should actively monitor and educate their children about the content they consume. This proactive approach is vital in mitigating the risks of harmful influences and fostering positive language development.