New Trends

Teenage years are marked by significant physical, emotional, and cognitive changes. Your teen’s emotional life becomes more complex, as well as their interests and interpersonal relationships. 

Adolescents start establishing their individuality and independence. However, teenagers can begin following new trends that you might not approve of under peer and media pressure and start to struggle with body image and low self-esteem.

Teenagers seek out freedom in everything they do. However, there is often a disproportion between the space they ask for and the responsibilities they are willing to accept. Your teen is always keen to try new things and explore new hi-tech opportunities.

TikTok

TikTok is one of the latest trends among teenagers and a favorite outlet for self-expression. This social video-sharing app is the most downloaded in 2020. It is popular among adolescents for its challenges and trendy dances.

How Does TikTok Work?

TikTok allows users to upload short videos with voice covers and music and view other user’s videos. These videos vary from dancing and singing to comedy and recipes. 

Even though you cannot understand it as an adult, don’t panic. It is okay; it is just a trend. 

TikTok Drawback and Benefits

Parents and children should be cautious with TikTok like with any other social network. Some content may be inappropriate for young users, so it is essential to agree on rules when posting and using the app. 

TikTok requires that users be at least 13 years old, so explain this to your child. The accounts are public, but you can change the settings to turn it to private, allowing your child to become friends only with people they know in real life.  

It may be irritating to watch your child who cannot stand quietly for one minute, continually making repetitive dancing movements (even during dinner!). However, think about your child’s TikTok-inspired dance as of exercise; at least he or she moves around and spends some energy!

Also, TikTok can be an excellent opportunity to have fun and bond with your child. The app allows you to be silly, loud, and playful. A lot of kids are trying out challenges and dances with their parents, which is a great way to connect and have a good laugh together. You can create a family TikTok account, set it private, and include the whole family in making videos and creating memories that will last. 

Snapchat

Snapchat is an app that allows you to send random posts to friends for up to several seconds before the shot is lost for good (although it’s not entirely lost). The app is enormously popular among teens. One survey showed that around 95 percent of Snapchat users feel happy, playful, and silly while using it. However, many kids and teenagers send inappropriate content, so make sure to set some rules about using the app. 

Apps and social media don’t necessarily have to be bad for kids and teenagers. With parental guidance, technology can help your child develop language, boost critical thinking skills and artistic expression, increase social bonding, and improve social skills.