BYU study: Teen movies contain fewer dirty words than in the past

The researchers found cause for concern due to the idea that young minds are impressionable and that Hollywood films deeply influence American culture and increasingly so as movies are more readily available on television and through rental services. "Teens have access to movies like never before through television, DVDs, the Internet and pay-per-view," the study said.

Sociologists have also expressed concern that with heavy exposure, coarse, violent and sexualized media messages, including profanity, which is considered a form of verbal aggression, can desensitize media viewers, according to Callister's study.

Findings in the current study, as well as research yet to be published, suggest that moviemakers may be pushing the limit on action and violence, while toning down the language to maintain a targeted rating, Callister said.

"They let go of the profanity but crank up the violence," he said.

The drop in dirty words, he said, may be due to activist groups such as Focus on the Family that pressure Hollywood to do better.

"Their efforts may have had an influence on movie producers, who seem to have responded with fewer instances of swearing in movies produced for younger audiences," said Callister, who has five kids including three teenagers. "Movies intended for younger audiences may be exceptionally sensitive to profanity."

Researchers have also completed studies on violence and sexual content in movies and are currently looking at the top 40 to 60 New York Times-rated teen novels. In the future, they will study the effects such content may have on heavy consumers.

E-MAIL: wleonard@desnews.com

Bad language

Seven dirty words: deemed by the FCC unspeakable for broadcast

Sexual words: describe sexual body parts or behavior in coarse ways

Excretory words: direct or literal references to human waste products and processes

Mild other words: include such words as 'hell' and 'damn' and the use of the name of deity in vain

Strong other words: trigger strong emotions and reactions, considered more offensive than mild words and include the middle finger gesture