New Research Finds Teens Are Reducing Their Own Screentime to Improve Mental Health
What? In a survey conducted by audience research company GWI, researchers found that “the number of 12- to 15-year-olds who take breaks from smartphones, computers and iPads rose by 18% to 40% since 2022.” The Guardian reports that these findings are echoed in both former and forthcoming studies. The Pew Research Center also published similar findings last year, with 44% of teens reporting that they had cut back on their phone and social media use.
So What? One subject matter expert said that this rise was due to teens finally getting the message—from their parents, the media or even their own experiences—that “too much social media isn’t always good for them,” and they are looking for ways to protect their mental wellbeing (along with their private data).
Now What? If your teen is concerned about his or her screentime—a sentiment shared by a third of all teens, according to a 2024 report by Ofcom research—encourage them to find ways to disengage. Many Gen Zers report deactivating notifications during certain hours of the day or using the “do not disturb” mode on their phones. Those looking for longer-term breaks have temporarily deleted apps from their devices. And if your child is looking for a more permanent solution, discuss the possibility of deleting their social media profiles altogether.
‘Dame Un Grrr’: Yet Another TikTok Trend With Questionable Roots
What? “Dame Un Grrr” is the latest sound bite to take over TikTok. As of writing, the original video (by Fantomel & Kate Linn) has more than 10 million views, and the song has been reused in an additional 2.5 million videos.
So What? “Dame un grrr,” loosely translates to “give me a growl,” with most video creators adopting a “fierce” attitude. It’s meant to be playful and fun in this context, but the full lyrics of the song actually get quite sensual (though not explicit). And the videos range from families going on vacation to before-and-after makeup videos of drag queens.
Now What? It seems almost weekly that Plugged In reminds parents that seemingly innocuous songs/sound bites found on social media may lead your teen to explore the original song or artist—which may expose them to content that isn’t age appropriate. “Dame Un Grr” is the latest example. However, I’d add some extra caution this time since many of the videos using this sound bite can be a bit risqué themselves, and some might even directly contradict your family’s values.
What Does ‘Glazing’ Mean? And Why Are Teens Over It?
What? “Glazing” is merely the latest slang term to describe when someone offers up excessive flattery. “Think ‘bootlicking,’ ‘buttering someone up,’ and ‘kiss up,’” writes Annabelle Canela for Parents.
So What? Perhaps more so than in previous generations, teens are now calling each other out for this behavior, especially when they feel the glazer is being disingenuous or overly people-pleasing. You might also hear the term in reference to unfair or biased treatment of a peer.
Now What? Obviously, the concept of glazing is nothing new. So if you hear the word, ask your teen about it. Perhaps it’s being used in a harmless context to poke fun at a friend for obsessing over a celebrity. But if it crosses into mean-spirited territory (or if it’s resulting in the aforementioned biased treatment of someone), then that might need to be unpacked in a bigger conversation.
