Let's face facts, most of today's children are swearing all over the place and most people blame parents for this. But, what the fail to realize is that they themselves are partially the cause of this (About 70% of society is responsible for children swearing, the rest comes from home. But that's a rough estimate). The reason being is that they curse in-front of children (especially pre-schoolers), and they are chastized by the parent who also swears (so it's a double-whammy).

Why you think it matters: You (the good people of Stick Page and/or wider masses) think children that swear should be taught that it is wrong and that they can end up here...blah..blah..blah.

Why it doesn't: While you think that's all well and good, they will grow up and still swear, so you're not really helping by telling them that. But, if the talking does work, you're in the clear.

If you have a hard time understading what point I'm making, I'll set up a scenario. Like this:

Tommy is a 5 year-old boy, he has just come home from school and is watching T.V until his mother and father indulge in a very heated argument (just come up with a reason for the argument for yourself) with a lot of obscene language. Then, Tommy's mom stops the argument to tell Tommy about the words they were using and that these were 'bad' words. Twenty years later, Tommy is found using the same language.

Now did I prove my point? Swearing, if it comes from children or not, doesn't matter in my opinion. But, it is a debate forum, so state certain reasons why it does or doesn't matter. So....DEBATE!

I don't think swearing is bad in general. They're just words, and people who don't like swearing are usually hypocritical douchebags. That being said, what I don't like is that a lot of children seem to substitute potentially better words or legitimate debating for swearing, and act like that's all they need. This actually isn't just true with swearing, it's true for a lot of words. I don't like the idea of corrupting English by wide-spread use of these words. If you use them like a normal fucking person, then it's OK, but if instead of explaining why you disagree with me, you call me a "fucking cockhead" and leave it at that, we're gonna have a problem.

Nobody takes swearing seriously anymore, But I honestly consider it rude. Sure, I have a dirty mouth, but it's frustrating when people substitute genuine critical thinking with "That's fucking gay."

The thing is, you have to understand why people say not to say it when they know it's just words. I mean I don't swear, but I don't think it matters if you do or not.

so why should we care about wearing hats and jackets indoors? Or bother shaking hands?

It's simply tradition. And it's a tradition I like, because it gives our shitty population a semblance of culture.

There was an episode of Penn & Teller: Bullshit where they touched on this issue. They interviewed this self-righteous bitch who was all anti-swearing and trying to force people not to swear. She said that swear words were offensive, people didn't like them, and that there are plenty of alternatives, one of them being "Santa Vaca!" for when you're trying to make an exclamation. Penn goes on to explain that the phrase she was asking kids to use instead of swearing literally translates to 'Saint Cow'. He explains exactly why this is a bad thing:

'"Saint cow". So she is literally saying, "Holy cow!", in Spanish. But "holy cow" is a derogatory reference to the Hindu belief in the sacredness of cows. Ginny certainly doesn't believe in the holiness of cows, so taking that Lord's name in vain is perfectly acceptable.'

The offensiveness of swear words is entirely subjective. I don't believe swear words are the problem, it's people finding offense in such small words that's the problem.

Swear words are bad depending on how they are used. They are not terrible in every single circumstances, nor are they completely good. It depends on how it is used. Homies can say nigger without being offended, however used outside that context it may have a different effect. Rather then completely removing the words from our vocabulary, we should learn when and where to use it.
It is good as it is a form of expression, they have an emotional connotation (which can be different for each individual). Swearing can help vent out things like anger or an other emotions of the sort. It can be used in social situations as a means of communication.
The bad is obvious, it can offend others. And possibly weaken peoples vocabulary.

For children, parents should aim to stop them from swearing. It conditions them to realise that the words can offend, therefore there should be some thought before use. Eventually they will learn on their own, without being told, acceptable and inappropriate times to swear. Parents should refrain from actively cursing in front of children, however it isn't the end of the world if the do.

If you treat swear words the same as other words then they lose their emphasis. The entire point of them is to shock and draw attention to the fact that shit is going down. These words need to be kept from children so that they build up their mystique.

But some parents castigate their children with swears.

i dont mind children cussin around me, unless theyre being an asshole but thats never happened. children usually censor themselves by sayin like, the b word
now, if you mean preteens... lol

I don't like to swear in general, I don't mind it, I just don't want to offend people. Personally, I don't think a 5 year old should learn to swear, or should be taught to even if it is "just a word" certain words can still offend people. So I try to limit my swearing, but there are cases where you just do have to swear, in an scientific investigation, they found that swearing is not in the language parts of the brain, it's more to do with the emotional part of it. That's why I hate it when people say things like "use a different word" or something, because it is more to do with the emotions rather than the language.

Well, you also have to understand that some of these 'bad' words have very different meanings as to where they come from. Like the f-word, that was used to describe when a priest is being removed from his holy duties. In today's times, we use that word to describe someone who has been beaten up or killed, etc. I found that out myself, I don't know if that is correct.

There is no such thingsas badwords. Bad thoughts, Bad intentions, and words used to express ANY thoughts and intentions. Forexample, "Get that bitch over here!" is only bad if he is not referring to a female dog.

i wasn't allowed to swear for my parents till i was 12 i still don't swear alot at home and i never say any sexuall words at home

IMO swearing is ok if it's used in context and not just spammed in a normal conversation to sound "tough", which is what most kids would do if they'd learn swear words at a young age. From there it can develop in to a bad habit...