Getting to Know Teen Culture
Want to learn more about the influences and pressures of today’s teen culture? Here are some interesting and insightful ways you can find out just what teens are up to.
You Tube
Go to YouTube and enter “smoking weed” in the search bar. Watch some of the videos and then talk to your teen about what you saw.
Text Messaging Lingo
Many teens speak a whole seperate text-messaging language. Try to decipher these common words and phrases to keep up to date on what teens are saying, and visit NetLingo for the latest text messaging lingo you should know as a parent.
AITR CULA8R POS GTG YGTBK
Music Lyrics
Some of the most popular music teens listen to today is about drug use or other risky behaviors. Here’s where you can check out music lyrics that are streaming into teens’ headphones. Which songs/artists does your teen listen to, and have you talked to them about what the lyrics mean?
Video Games
Have a look at some of today’s hottest video games. Then find out if your teen is familiar with them or plays any of them. Have you noticed any violence, drug or alcohol references, and do you feel the games are age-appropriate? Do you know the rating system? Check it out here.
Social Networking
Visit social networking sites like MySpace or Facebook, and browse the profiles of teens your child’s age to see what they say, what their interests are, and what they are doing online. Talk with your teen about what you have learned.