3 minute read
How to talk filters with your teens & tweens
Did you know that there is a genuine medical condition titled “snapchat disorphia”?
The term is used in the USA to describe the action of an individual asking for a cosmetic procedure based on a look created by a photo flter added to their own face.
There is an increasing mountain of research quantifying that these filters are detrimental to an individual’s wellbeing so much so much so that Kirsty Corbett, of Be Bold Be You Photography in Belper, was asked to provide evidence by the House of Commons on the subject of the use of photographs & videos on social media.
We’ve put together three key ways you can interact with your teen & tween, on the subject of filters, to encourage healthy conversations & debates on this subject.
COMPLIMENT THEIR STYLE, NOT THEIR APPEARANCE
We all know that receiving a compliment on how we look can create a little “feel good” moment during our day!
The use of language with young people is really important, though. Instead of saying “I like your hair” try a conversation starter such as “have you done your hair differently, today?” and when they shrug their shoulders or say “no” add to this with a positive “it’s looking really good, today”.
This trick is all about adding emphasis to the area being complimented as opposed to saying “your hair is nice.
Take Photographs Together
Taking photos together doesn’t mean you both have to be in the photo at the same time! Of course, you could take a shot together but you can also take it turns to take photos of each other.
If you take a photo of your child, particulary teens, make sure you ask them first. It may feel pedantic and you may have the gut reaction of thinking “but it’s my child” however it put it will demonstrate your respect for them, their body and their personal space.
You could simply say “can I take your photo?” but this doesn’t always go down well with more shy and/or introvert personalities. There are softer ways of approaching this key question. “Can I have a photo of you / us / you & your brother for the album?”
3. LEARN THE LINGO
This isn’t strictly filtered related but I think it is a really important point! There are so many ways social media can introduce us to new and exciting things. There are also ways in which social media can create opportunities to temporarily post or permanently archive our, or other people’s, posts so it’s important to stay mindful of what certain phrases mean when using social media.
For example, on Instagram, did you know that “STORIES” disappear from the app after 24 hours, unless your teen has enabled archiving, which makes their expired stories available only to them. Your teen can share them in their Stories Highlights.
It’s also important to be mindful that anyone who can view your stories can screenshot them, making them permanent, somewhere.
