Is There More $#*! on Television?

According to the latest publicity-baiting study from the Parents Television Council (mission accomplished!), primetime television has gotten a heck of a lot more foul-mouthed over the past five years.

In the study, called "A Habitat for Profanity: Broadcast TV's Sharp Increase in Foul Language," the PTC uncovered a 69 percent increase in the use of profanity during peak primetime viewing hours between 2005 and 2010, Deadline reports.

"Our analysis of the first two weeks of this still-new fall television season shows a disturbing trend that shocked even us," PTC President Tim Winter said. "Profanity is far more frequent and the profanity itself is far harsher than just five years ago. Even worse, the most egregious language is being aired during the time slots when children are most likely to be in the audience."

Not only has the overall use of expletives increased, the worst ones have been used the most. The f-bomb (albeit muted or bleeped) was dropped just 11 times in 2005, but exploded 276 times in 2010 for a 2,409 percent increase. The s-word was also used 11 times in 2005, but increased to 95 utterances in 2010, a 763 percent increase.

The worst offender was Fox, with a 269 percent increase in profanity usage.

While some of the PTC's crusades seemed designed specifically to nab headlines (see: that whole 'Glee'/GQ brouhaha), this study raises some interesting questions. What sparked such a drastic increase? Despite the fact that the shows are airing during traditionally family-friendly time slots, should children be watching? What do you think?