# Swearing

**What are our rules about swearing?**

Your family's rule on swear words, from none for anyone to adults only to rules by context.

In short: Parents choose between 4 main approaches: None by anyone; Adults may, children may not; Context rules; No rule. Evidence: your call. No outcome evidence picks a winner. Preference, culture, money and logistics decide. Best settled: toddler.

- Area: Values, character and family culture
- Evidence: Your call
- Best settled: Toddler
- First published: 2026-10-03
- Last updated: 2026-10-05
- Page: https://www.raisingyourchild.com/topics/values-character-and-family-culture--swearing

## Swearing: what are the options?

1. **None by anyone**: No one in the family swears.
2. **Adults may, children may not**: Adults may swear and children may not.
3. **Context rules**: Swearing is fine in some settings and never at people or in public.
4. **No rule**: There is no rule about swearing.

## Swearing: what does the evidence say?

**Your call.** No outcome evidence picks a winner. Preference, culture, money and logistics decide.

Researchers found little evidence of direct harm from exposure; children learn context rules

Sources:

- [APS Observer](https://www.psychologicalscience.org/observer/the-science-of-swearing)

## What else is worth knowing?

Children repeat what they hear. Families range from no swearing at all to no rule. A common middle ground is that some words are for home only and never aimed at people.

## Questions to ask each other

- What was our family's rule on swearing?
- What is okay for us to say around our child?
- What would we say if our child swears?

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General information, not medical advice. Two parents can each answer this and compare: https://www.raisingyourchild.com/explore?cat=values-character-and-family-culture&topic=values-character-and-family-culture--swearing