Obscenity and vulgar language among youth needs to be addressed

Obscenity, rudeness, vulgar language, swear words and profanity have become a serious problem among young adults and students that needs the urgent attention of parents, schools, as well as the community and religious leaders.

Added to this developing culture of using swear words, the entertainment industry lionised it as a more acceptable practice. Sadly, students are displaying disrespectful behaviour and using vulgar words at a much younger age. Vulgar words, obscene materials and irresponsible use of social media often leads to poor school performance, distractions, and can lead to unnecessary arguments or fights and bullying.

Educating our children is critical in eliminating or reducing these social problems and it is the duty and responsibility of every human being. Students and young adults must be taught that there are other alternatives to fighting, bullying and using obscenities and profanity.

Students and young adults need to be taught to make wise choices in life, or they will be held responsible and accountable for their wrong choices. Schools and other learning institutions should not allow inappropriate communication or the use of slang language. Rude behaviour, vulgarity and forbidden relationships should not be allowed or tolerated and should be made a zero-tolerance offence at schools.

If there is a learning environment and culture created in the classroom and school grounds for effective learning to take place, then children will develop into responsible adults.

Mohamed Saeed