June-July 2016

When it comes to technology and digital communication, what is popular today is likely to fall out of favor or become obsolete in the not-too-distant future. Social media is no different. Today's teenagers are still using Facebook, messaging apps, image posting apps, and ephemeral apps (like Snapchat). But in this era of ever-changing technology, these have been around long enough to be considered "old school." So what's next on the social media horizon?

It may be that the next big thing in teen social media use is already here. And it's likely that you haven't heard about it.

According to recent reports, social media live streaming is capturing a growing number of teen users. Live streaming allows users to broadcast (and view) live video and audio feeds via smartphone, tablet, or computer. All anyone needs to begin broadcasting his or her life as it happens -- is to download a live streaming app and set up an account. Lights, camera, action!

Gaining in popularity are the live streaming apps Periscope, Meerkat, and YouNow. For teen users, YouNow seems to be the live streaming app of choice. Currently, YouNow has four million users, and boasts 100 million webcasts posted monthly. One-third of YouNow users are teens. YouNow requires its users to be at least 13-years-old, but has no age or identity verification process. The service forbids nudity or sexual content, but nothing prevents users from broadcasting these types of content. After the fact, YouNow bans users who broadcast inappropriate content.

In general, live streaming broadcasts are public (some privacy features may exist through some apps to restrict the audience to friends), and offer interactive features such as chats, likes, applause, and even tipping for performances. YouNow provides themed channels using hashtags such as #sleepsquad (broadcasting teens sleeping), #truthordare (one can only imagine what may happen!), #bored (for bored people broadcasting being bored), #singing, #gaming, #boys, #girls, and so on.

Because this form of social media is new, it will take time for users (and cultural observers) to learn the ins and outs of live streaming sites, as well as their positives and negatives. For now, we'll just say that the potential seems huge for live streaming to be a creepy exercise in voyeurism for viewers and unnecessarily intrusive into the private lives of the broadcasters (or broadcasters' targets -- like capturing Dad screaming at the family dog, for example). We expect that some of these edgy characteristics of live streaming may hold enormous attraction for its users. And it may also be likely that live streaming will be the latest form of social media to keep some parents awake at night, while online strangers watch their teenagers sleep.

Do you know what the number one song on the charts is right now? Do you know what kids are gleaning from this song?

I always find it fascinating to discover what young people are listening to in their headphones. Sadly, most parents who interact with their kids about their music only ask, "That's song's not one of those EXPLICIT songs, right?"

In my parent workshops I encourage parents to approach the conversation a different way. After all, that EXPLICIT tag only tells you if the song has curse words.
Take the number one song on the charts right now, Timber, by Pitbull and Ke$ha. This song is NOT EXPLICIT because it doesn't have curse words. So it's fair game, right?
Try Googling the lyrics. Here's Pitbull's opening lines:

The bigger they are, the harder they fall
These big-iddy boys are dig-gidy dogs
I have 'em like Miley Cyrus, clothes off
Twerking in their bras and thongs, timber
Face down, booty up, timber
That's the way we like to--what?--timber...

Nice and clean, eh?

So how should parents respond? I'll tell you how they should NOT respond... overreaction.

Instead, turn your overreaction into interaction. Parents have an amazing opportunity to use today's music as a springboard to discussion. The majority of today's young people really like music. Ask a kid about their music, and chances are, you'll probably get them talking. This provides parents with an opportunity to listen and learn about their kid.

But parents should also feel free to chime in on the dialogue. That doesn't mean turn the dialogue into a monologue (aka, a boring speech from Dad). This means, use questions to lead them to truth.

If you don't know where to go with this conversation, don't worry. TheSource4Parents.com provides FREE Music Discussions on their Music Discussions page. Right now, you can find full discussions for songs in the top 10 like Timber and The Monster. Each of these free discussion guides provide questions, scripture and a wrap up.
Do you know what's in your kid's headphones?