The prevalence of profanity among high school students is not surprising at all. We teenagers are exposed to the language at an early age, but of course, as we grow older, we naturally learn when and where to watch our mouths, a fine example being the classroom.
However, when the same teachers who instruct students not to curse use foul language themselves, it is a bit ironic, is it not? Not only is their use of curse words hypocritical, setting an improper example for students, but it also creates an uncomfortable environment for many. As the leading role model in the classroom, a teacher should be cautious of words slipping out of his or her mouth because it is only fair that the same rules that apply to students, apply to teachers.
Routine usage of profanity becomes sparsely evident in middle school, and more pervasive in high school, not only among students, but even among teachers in the classrooms. The underlying reason behind this is that teachers usually give up trying to preclude students’ habits of cursing, for it is nearly impossible to convince a rebellious group of teens into doing anything against their will.
Furthermore, because swear words have become so hackneyed in this generation, teachers have found their own comfort zone using them in front of their students.
Some may argue that high school students are essentially adults, and therefore would not mind, and even find entertaining, the use of profanity in the classrooms. I do agree to an extent that high school students are nearly adults, but it is wrong for teachers to thus assume it is appropriate to indiscriminately curse in front of the class. Some students may silently be offended but unwilling to speak out against it, for the majority of the class is typically not disturbed by it.
In addition, immature students may find foul language humorous, then take the class, and everything that comes out of the teacher’s mouth, lightly. Though there is nothing wrong with adding some enjoyment to learning, there are times when students should be serious. Education is the foundation of a students’ future and putting that into danger by the use of profanity should not be allowed.
Yes, profanity serves some noble purposes at times, maybe to add a bit of emphasis or to silence a rowdy class; however, in most cases, these words do not belong in a classroom. The use of swear words test the overall credibility of the teacher’s leadership, thus it is essential for teachers set a standard in speech for students to follow.
