The use of strong language in the home: How far is too far?

Children are often shaped by the environments in which they grow up. The words they hear at home can influence how they communicate and express themselves to others.

When watching films, television programmes, or content on social media, viewers are often warned when strong language is present. Yet, in everyday life, words that were once considered inappropriate are now commonly heard in conversations, both online and in the home.

Some parents and guardians use strong language around their children without giving it much thought. Recently, Seemah Mangolwane from Not Sorry podcast shared a video on TikTok which gained significant attention.

Mongolwane explained that she grew up in a home where strong language was used frequently by her mother. She also shared that these words became a normal part of her vocabulary and that, even as an adult, she sometimes struggles to communicate without swearing.

Her story sparked debate with other social media users sharing their experiences.

Is society’s attitude towards strong language changing?

It is no secret that children learn through observation and repetition.

When it comes to the use of language, what role should parents be playing in teaching their children what is acceptable and unacceptable? While some parents argue that words are simply words and that context matters more than the language itself, others believe that children absorb what they hear and often imitate the behaviour and speech patterns of the adults around them.

It is also obvious that society’s attitude towards strong language is changing - words that once shocked audiences are now commonly heard in music, movies, podcasts, and everyday conversations.

As cultural norms evolve, should our understanding of acceptable language evolve too or is it time to be intentional about when, where, and how strong language should be used? Where should the line be drawn?