Profanity in Media Linked to Youth Swearing, Aggression

Teens exposed to profanity in television and video games are more likely to use profanity themselves, a new study finds.  Further aggravating the situation, use of profanity by teens is itself a known risk factor for increased physical and relational aggression.

In the study, published today in the online edition of the journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, 223 middle school students completed surveys on their aggression, preferred media, time spent viewing media, perceived aggression in their favorite shows and games, beliefs about profanity and profanity use.

The results showed a direct link in the viewing of media with high profanity, profanity use and subsequent aggression. According to the study authors, the findings provide continued support for ratings and content warnings surrounding profanity use in the media.

The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 60,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults.