The early teenage years, spanning ages 12 to 14, are a time of significant transition and exploration. Today's young teens are navigating a world that is increasingly digital, socially conscious, and diverse. This article aims to provide tutors and content creators with insights into the current trends, attitudes, and slang prevalent among 12-14-year-olds, helping them connect more effectively with their students.
Understanding the pop culture landscape of 12-14 year olds is vital for several key reasons, especially for adults who are parents, teachers or content creators. This understanding bridges generational gaps and promotes more effective communication, engagement and support for young people at this dynamic time in their lives.
This age group is at a unique stage of life, characterised by rapid change and discovery. While it is beneficial to be informed about their world, it is equally important to recognize that not every trend will resonate with every teenager. The key is not to generalize, but to approach each young person with an open mind and a willingness to understand their unique perspectives.
Generational Context:
Born into a digital era, this group is often referred to as "Digital Natives." They have been interacting with technology and the internet from a very young age, influencing their learning styles, communication, and interests.
They are part of Generation Z, a cohort known for its diversity, tech-savviness, and progressive views on social issues.
Way of Thinking and Interests:
Tech-Driven Learning: They prefer interactive and visually stimulating educational content. Gamified learning experiences, videos, and interactive apps resonate well with them.
Social Media Influence: Platforms like TikTok and Instagram shape their trends, humor, and interests. They are heavily influenced by influencers and viral challenges.
Environmental and Social Awareness: Many are aware of and concerned about issues like climate change, equality, and mental health, often participating in online discussions about these topics.
Music and Entertainment: Music tastes are heavily influenced by streaming platforms and social media. Genres like pop, hip-hop, and indie music, often discovered through viral TikTok trends, are popular among this age group.
Playlists with viral songs from TikTok in 2023.
Some of the most popular movies in 2023 for teens:
The Little Mermaid
Shazam! Fury of the Gods
Teen Wolf: The Movie
Scream VI
The Hunger Games: The Ballads of Songbirds and Snakes
Some of the most popular shows in 2023 for teens:
Euphoria
Stranger Things
Riverdale
Sex Education
Outer Banks
Some of the most popular podcasts in 2023 for teens:
Anything Goes with Emma Chamberlain
Things Could Be Worse
Call Your Friends
On Purpose With Jay Shetty
Teenager Therapy
Gaming Culture: Online multiplayer games like Fortnite and Roblox remain popular, not just for gameplay but also for social interaction and creative expression.
Most played video games in 2023
Memes: memes and online humour play a key role in communication and expression of ideas
As we find ourselves in the ever-evolving landscape of teen trends, it is vital for teachers to remain actively informed and adaptive. The world of movies, shows, podcasts, books, and music that captivates our teens today may change tomorrow. Therefore, embrace this dynamic environment with enthusiasm and curiosity.
Exploring and updating your knowledge of these trends is not only about keeping your teaching current, but also about connecting with your students. This ongoing journey of constant updating enables you to foster meaningful conversations and enrich the educational experience for both you and your students. Remember, your willingness to understand and engage in their world makes a significant difference in bridging the generation gap and enhancing the learning process.
Slang and Communication:
Understanding their slang and communication style is crucial. Some of the most common phrases/words used..
Lit: Amazing, exciting or entertaining. Example: "That party last night was lit!"
Savage: Cool or tough (to describe a situation). Example: "Did you see her comeback in the debate? That was savage."
Fam: Close friends, group of friends. Example: "I'm hanging out with my fam this weekend."
Yeet: An exclamation of excitement, approval, or to describe a quick movement. Example: "He just scored a goal from halfway across the field, yeet!"
No Cap: No lie, truth. Example: "I aced my test, no cap."
Lowkey: Moderate, subtle or covert. Example: "I lowkey love classical music, but don't tell anyone."
Flex: To show off. Example: "He's just trying to flex with his new sneakers."
Ghosting: Ignoring someone on social media or in real life. Example: "I texted him yesterday, but he's ghosting me."
Salty: Being upset or bitter. Example: "She's still salty about not getting the lead role in the play."
Gucci: Good or cool. Example: "Don't worry about me, I'm Gucci."
Delulu: Short for 'delusional', used to describe someone who is out of touch with reality. Example: "He thinks he's going to be famous overnight, that's so delulu."
Girl/Boy Math: Referring to the way someone might overanalyze or read too much into a situation, often in a romantic context. Example: "I'm doing girl math trying to figure out if they like me back."
My Roman Empire: Used to describe something that one is very proud of or has put a lot of effort into. Example: "I've spent all weekend on this project, it's my Roman Empire."
Red Flag: A warning sign, often used in the context of dating or friendships. Example: "He never texts back, that's a red flag."
Beige Flag: Something that's not necessarily a red flag but is dull or uninteresting. Example: "He only talks about his favorite basketball team, it's a beige flag for me."
Green Flag: The opposite of a red flag, something positive in a person or situation. Example: "She's always so kind to everyone, definite green flag."
These phrases are some of the most common. However, slang and trends are rapidly evolving, so staying up to date is key. Through social media contact or if you have kids in your social circle, observe ask around and find out what's in style.
Emojis and memes are integral to their communication, often used to convey emotions and reactions more effectively than words.
A short dictionary of emojis:
✨: Often used to emphasize or indicate that something is new, exciting or has a special quality.
😂: It continues to be popular for expressing fun and joy.
👍👍: A strong sign of approval or agreement.
🥺: Used to express a feeling of vulnerability or love, often in a romantic context.
🤪: Conveys a sense of silliness or silliness.
🙄: Shows skepticism, annoyance or distrust.
🙂: A subtle expression of happiness or satisfaction.
❤️💙💚💛🧡💜: Various colored heart emojis remain popular for expressing love, friendship and other emotions.
🔥: Used to indicate that something is hot, trendy or exciting.
👏: Signifies applause or praise, often used to show agreement or support.
💀 : Used to say "This is so funny I died"
👉👈 : Used in TikTok to mean you want to say something to the person you are sending this emoji to and hope they don't get mad at you
🙃: They're joking with you.
🙏: It means thank you
👺: use it to indicate trolling, mean, anger, mischief
😈 : mischievous or playful behaviour
🌚 : darkness, secrecy, mischief or a mischievous sense of humour.
🤡 : usually used to convey various silly, silly feelings or that someone is behaving like a clown ("foolish")
Keep in mind that the meanings and use of emojis may differ between different groups and individuals and may also change over time. That's why it's important to be informed by your own student or any teenager you have around you.
Pop Culture: Practical tips
It's important to consider how adults - whether parents, teachers, or content creators - can stay up to date with the ever-evolving landscape of pop culture for 12-14 year olds. Keeping up with their world doesn't mean mimicking their trends, but understanding and appreciating their interests and perspectives. Here are some practical tips:
Direct communication: The simplest way to understand what is a trend is to ask the teenagers themselves. Engage in conversations about their interests, hobbies and what they find cool or exciting.
Explore their digital world: Familiarize yourself with the apps and platforms they use. This doesn't mean invading their personal space, but understand the features and appeal of platforms like TikTok, Instagram or gaming sites.
Stay informed by the media: Follow youth-oriented media or platforms that report on teen trends and culture. This can provide a broader perspective on what's popular and why.
Organize class discussions: Provide some time during the lessons where the students can share their interests. This can be in the format of “Show & Tell” of their favorite gameplay, of their favorite series or a discussion about music and their favorite artists.
Encourage open dialogue: Create an environment where teens feel comfortable sharing their interests. Show genuine curiosity and openness to their world.
Use social media wisely: Follow hashtags or influencers that are popular with teens to get a sense of current trends and conversations. Some of the world's most popular teenagers are Molly-Mae Hague, Emma Chamberlain, Bretman Rock, KSI and Anastasia Kingsnorth.
Respect their individuality: Remember that every teenager is unique. Their interests may not always align with the most popular trends.
As we complete this exploration of 12-14 year old pop culture, it's important to remember that these trends are fluid and ever-changing. They are snapshots of a particular era and may not apply universally to all teens. Understanding these trends does not mean adopting them ourselves, but rather appreciating the way these young people interact with the world around them.
This age group is at a unique stage of life, characterised by rapid change and discovery. While it is beneficial to be informed about their world, it is equally important to recognize that not every trend will resonate with every teenager. The key is not to generalize, but to approach each young person with an open mind and a willingness to understand their unique perspectives.
By remaining curious and respecting their evolving interests and ways of communicating, adults can build stronger, more meaningful relationships with the younger generation. It's about bridging the gap with understanding and empathy, not necessarily conformity. In this way, we can support them to navigate these formative years with confidence and a sense of being understood.