Teens these Days, Am I Right?

The quote above is one familiar to many teens of many generations. Whether from parents, grandparents or an adult in general— it always seems that with each new generation, the old one can’t always understand why teens of that era act the way they do.

The Sage was curious about this phenomenon themselves and went through campus to discover what makes teens— from the 80s, 90s, 2000s and today— tick.

Through the generations, technology has advanced, communication has changed, and fashion trends have gone in and out of style. This has caused teens from each generation to grow up in a different circumstance than their parents did. Yet in many ways, each generation is similar.

Teens still enjoy spending time with friends, supporting their high school at sports games and school events and just being kids. The differences between generations is what makes each one unique. Whether you were a teen in the 80s, or are a teen today, your generation will have experienced life in a way no other generation will. They will have grown up at a time that is specific to them— one that will never come around again.

So even though parents may throw up their hands in confusion when they hear their son or daughter ask a friend to “spill the tea,” or “take a chill pill,” they have to understand that one day those teens will grow up and be just as confused by their own teens.

The most important thing to remember is that each generation brings something new to the world. A fresh set of eyes, new possibilities and an impact to be made.