Why Kids Are Saying ‘Good Boy’ — And Why It’s Not as Innocent as It Sounds

Hi everyone, as a parent of a young boy moving toward the pre-teen years, I am constantly trying to stay one step ahead — emotionally, socially, and yes, even linguistically. But just when I think I’ve caught up with the latest phrases floating around in school halls and TikTok feeds, a new one slips in, and I find myself Googling again. This time, it’s a phrase that seems harmless at first: “Good boy.”

At face value, it sounds like something you’d say to your dog after it sits on command. But in middle and high schools, kids are using it in a very different — and not-so-innocent — way.

What is the “Good Boy” trend?

The trend goes something like this: one student tells another to do something — hand over a pencil, finish a task, or follow a classroom rule. When the student complies, the other responds with an exaggerated, sarcastic “Gooood boy,” often paired with a smirk, a slow clap, or a mock-patronizing smile.

Sometimes it’s “Good girl,” but the tone is the same — it’s not praise, it’s parody. The phrase is used to flip the power dynamic and make the speaker feel like they’re the one in control, while the other student becomes the punchline.

Where did this come from?

Like many recent trends, it started on TikTok. A viral video featured someone sarcastically thanking a police officer for giving his badge number with a smug “Good boy.” It was intended to be provocative — and kids picked up on the power reversal. For middle schoolers still testing boundaries, this kind of humour is irresistible.

How it’s playing out in schools

Teachers across platforms like Reddit and TikTok are reporting that “Good boy” is becoming a classroom distraction. Some teachers admit they’ve had to hide their amusement, while others find it flat-out disrespectful. In fact, a few schools have responded by banning the phrase entirely and treating it as a form of low-level harassment (SheKnows, 2025).

Why this trend might be more harmful than it looks

For many kids, it’s just a joke. But for others, it can feel mocking or humiliating — especially when it’s said in front of peers. According to psychologist Dr. Eileen Kennedy-Moore, public embarrassment in adolescence can have a stronger emotional impact than we realize:

“In the pre-teen years, kids become highly aware of how they're perceived. Even light teasing can hit harder when it feels like social shaming”(Kennedy-Moore, Psychology Today).

And while the phrase might not carry serious intent, it can still reinforce an unhealthy message: that cooperation and kindness are signs of weakness.

Kids don’t always understand the implications

Most kids using this phrase likely associate it with dogs or a silly power move — not realizing it can carry other, sometimes suggestive or demeaning, undertones. This lack of awareness is normal, but it highlights the importance of helping kids learn about tone, context, and how jokes can land differently than intended (Common Sense Media).

What can we do as parents?

Here are a few gentle, expert-backed tips for addressing this trend with your child:

1. Start with curiosity, not criticism

Instead of jumping in with a correction or ban, try asking:

“Hey, I’ve been hearing about this ‘Good boy’ trend — what do you think about it?”

Open-ended questions help kids feel heard and less likely to get defensive (Child Mind Institute). It also gives you a window into how they perceive and use the phrase.

2. Offer perspective

After listening, help them consider how it might make others feel. Explain that while something might be funny to them, it could embarrass or hurt someone else — especially if used in a mocking way.

Dr. Deborah Gilboa, a parenting and youth development expert, suggests:

“Empathy is a skill we can nurture by helping kids pause and consider the other person’s experience.”(AskDoctorG.com)

3. Avoid harsh punishment

Unless it’s being used repeatedly or in a hurtful context, avoid turning it into a disciplinary issue. Most kids aren’t being malicious — they’re just parroting what they see. Redirect, don’t overreact. Reframing a trend is often more effective than banning it.

Final thoughts: humor is fine, but kindness matters more

Trends like this are part of growing up — a little rebellion, a little role play, and a lot of testing social waters. But as parents, we’re in a position to help our kids see the line between playful and problematic.

A simple conversation can go a long way in helping them understand that respect and empathy are never outdated — and being kind is way cooler than sounding like a dog trainer in math class.

✅ Parent resources for further reading

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Thank you Dr J. Oliveira