Alex, please. Swearing is, I believe, directly related to a deep frustration and anger. Children pick up on this, they hear these words and are immediately told that they are “bad” words. Quiet naturally they use them as a form of rebellion against authority. Immature? Probably, however, if a severe reaction follows, “the lash” or anything equivalent can, I believe, produce a worse reaction. A child can either meekly accept the authority or go further in their rebellion. Old fashioned tories seem to think that meekly submitting to the “good” authority that they possess produces a better person. No it doesn’t it. It merely produces robots who aren’t allowed, for fear of upsetting the authority, to express anger or frustration. Maybe that’s good for the authority, they have produced a person directly in their own image, great for their own ego. I honestly believe that all humans have what I call a little anarchist bug within them and that many people have used this anti-authoritarian stance in a positive way. I think that this is part of the rebellious streak that underlines our existence. From the moment we are born we are looking for a way to create our own identity. Using “bad” language does not automatically turn us into bomb throwing crack smoking idiots who use the f and c words every second word. I have met people from all classes of society, you would be surprised how many “proper” people use these words. There are far worse examples of human behavior throughout history than a few curse words. In other words, get over it. I use “bad” words all the time and respect others. I have used curse words around people who don’t appreciate it. They let me know that they personally find it offensive and I accepted their beliefs and apologized. In return I expect people to respect my right to use “bad” language within my own social circle. If they try to stop me from my right to curse then an immature nasty response would follow. Ultimately, that would defeat the purpose of ending “bad’ language.

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Noting the various approaches to the issue already made, I have a different one.

Linguistically, the most powerful 'swear' words that I know of, are related to the most intimate acts and body parts.
The "F" word is a corruption of intercourse, or perhaps more a commentary on the level to which it has degenerated. Then the 'C' word, and I find it strange that a womans vagina, is conceptualized as 'someone despicable'. Of course, there are many combinations of how these 2 words are juxtaposed, with the additional reference to another body part or 2, but they all relate to the same area of life and human interaction.

Is it possible that our 'swearing' is in fact a cry for help ? is it an admission that we have failed to obtain the love and security that intercourse and the human body were intended to give, and therefore we attack it with all that is within us ?

Then there is the cultural aspect. When a horrible distortion of our procreative, security giving and pleasuring activities become the linguistic 'norm' we fall victim to the same situation that the feminists are on about -'structural, language based sexism'. We are engaging in the destruction of that which should be most precious to us, and on which our survival depends.

As for how to handle it in the class room ? Simple.

1/ You ! kid in the 3rd row, you used an obcenity, and it is NOT part of this class culture. Give the class an apology now !"
2/ No apology, and your out !
3/ A letter will be sent to your parents.
4/ (1964) Go to mr Lee's office for 6 of the best.
4/ (2005) You can say it 5 times.... blah blah...

I received a letter for my son drawing 'Inappropriate drawings' (very well done too) and I had to front the vice principle.. with him.. and look at the drawings TOGETHER (VP is female) haven't had a re-offence.

And for Spendo who has obviously embraced 'swearing'.. newsflash :) it does not 'rule' :)

DavidBOAZ – agree with your view (original 1-4) – acceptance of parental responsibility and discipline (defining boundaries of acceptable versus unacceptable behaviour) is instrumental to child development. My eldest daughter actually thanked me for defining those boundaries for her when young – and when needed. Children need to test limits to develop – if there is no resistance in testing they will simply assume they have not reached it thus far and grow up with the idea that their individual rights are unbridled with no respect for other people. A bit like Rancitas or Aunty Hazel or “the The” or whatever nom-de-plume it is using today.

Unable to accept or exercise self control or responsibility for its expression rancitas uses multiple logons to circumvent the discipline of site. I trust Graham Young with take appropriate retrospective action and delete the asinine postings of the spoilt, unruly and undisciplined brat.

Ranier – whilst you seem fascinated with Margaret Thatchers sex life I am sure of one thing – she had one – the way you seem fixated on such pursuits by others suggests the nearest you get leaves you at risk of carpel–tunnel syndrome.

Finally – my understanding of urbane legend, the origin of the "F" word was “Forced Use of Carnal Knowledge” as a simile for rape.

Hey Col
that was a very polite response. Appreciated.
Organized religion is not my cup of tea either, in the Anglican/Catholic sense. Huge beurocracies have never been a good seed bed of 'rubber meets the road' faith experience.
The early church comprised of house churches, many of whom lived in constant fear of their lives.

If you can wade through it, here is a glimpse of the Church I was a part of during my 'misho' days. The last lines are very heartwarming.
http://www.necf.org.my/berita/berita_nov_dec1999/prayerwave.htm

I looked up the 'F' word, and Wikepedia has plenty to say, but not a whole lot about the actual origin which seems quite obscure.
One thing for sure, you can say a heck of a lot using it's many permutations, noun, adjective, verb, etc. But while the word has flexibility, its connotations are still a sad commentary on our social condition.

We should 'stir each other up to good works' is the Biblical idea, and I feel this applies to language also.