How to Get 13-Year-Old Boys to Stop Swearing

As your child transitions to the teen years, he'll probably start asserting his independence more often. Unfortunately, this can often come in the form of swearing, used to project a certain attitude or elicit a response from others. If your 13-year-old son suddenly begins using unacceptable language, set clear expectations as to what is and isn't OK in your home. By breaking the habit early, you can set a precedent for better behavior through the rest of the teen years -- at least when it comes to swearing.

Instructions

    • 1

      Set clear expectations for language in your home and explain to your teen why you have those expectations. Psychologist Dr. John M. Grohol, founder and CEO of PsychCentral, notes in an article on the mental health network's website that language can have an effect on the company one keeps. Swearing can offend others and limit social opportunities. Explain to your teen that using inappropriate language can offend others and that it offends you as well.

    • 2

      Create logical consequences for your teen's bad language. You could take away his phone, for instance, letting him know that until he can use respectful language, he shouldn't be communicating with others. Or, refuse to discuss something with him until he can retool his language and speak more respectfully. This allows your teen to see the full weight of his choices and the consequences that come with swearing.

    • 3

      Ignore the language if your teen is purposely using it to make you upset. You may need time to calm down before you give him a consequence for his actions. Exploring swearing is a fairly common event for young teens and your job should be to discourage the behavior without reacting too strongly -- he may swear in the future to elicit a strong reaction or rebel again.

    • 4

      Suggest alternatives for your teen's swearing. Swearing is usually the result of anger, suggests the Women and Children's Healthy Network. Therefore, finding more acceptable ways to vent that anger -- such as using less offensive words or using physical activity -- can help your teen express himself without resorting to swear words.

    • 5

      Praise your 13-year-old when he uses constructive language or holds his temper. When you see him play a video game, for instance, and he doesn't use vulgar language, or you observe him telling others to keep their language clean, offer kudos. Positive attention for better behavior can often be more effective than consequences for negative behavior.

    • 6

      Set a good example in your home, suggests HealthyChildren.org. If swearing is commonplace for you, your teen probably thinks that it's OK for him to use it as well. If you ask your teen to stop swearing, be prepared to make your home a no-swear zone so he understands that clean language is important to your family.

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • The Routine Activities Theory in Delinquency
      Within the study of criminology, the routine activities theory is an offshoot of the rational choice theory, which posits that our actions are the result of a conscious choices made after weighing our options. According to routine activity theory, cr
    • What Do You Do With a Disrespectful Teenage Son?
      Clark comes home very late every day, talks with his parents rudely and uses offensive language with his sister; breaking home rules has become a norm of his life. His parents reprimand him each time he breaks a rule, which only seems to make him mor
    • How to Give a Motivational Speech to Teenagers
      Giving a motivational speech to teenagers is a chance to share wisdom and advice. Whether you are sharing with your own kids, a group of their friends, or your teen’s classmates, keep in mind that listening to a motivational speech can be a lif