Teenage girls have a unique world – that’s often confusing for parents! So we invited Rosie, 16, and Sadie, 16, to share some insider insights into their world. Here, they write about seven things that they’re diggin’, rockin’ and rollin’ right now, and their plans to “make the world a better place!”
1. Alternative Music!
“Finding music that others don’t know about is always something we are proud of! Spotify is a great App that allows you to ‘follow your friends’ and check out the music they’re listening to. You can find music by categories, moods and genres you can create playlists and listen to other playlists people have made. There’s also Triple J – the home of Aussie and international alternative music. They have an annual Unearthed contest which recognises some of the most successful Australian artists in the game! Artist Meg Mac is a prime example of this – as an unknown artist, she set up an Unearthed account and is now on the fast track to international success.”
2. Star Signs!
“Everyone is interested in star signs. Whether it’s to do with star sign compatibility, which sign has which characteristics, or just reading your daily, weekly, horoscope. My friends and I love finding out whether we are going to find romance this week or if we are in grave danger. It’s all the rage to be in the know and to buy your friends groovy gifts based on their star sign.”
3. Yummy Vegan Food
“Whether you’re a vegetarian, vegan or eat everything, healthy, organic or vegan food is all the rage. Instagramming cool pics of your vegan food or simply enjoying the taste is something that is really funky right now. It’s time to chuck out the sausages and bring in the tofu and live in peace with all the beings of this earth! Instead of eating cows, we want to eat what cow’s eat.”
@carouselfood Instagram
4. Fashion As Expression
“Fashion is a topic with many different opinions and sometimes it can be difficult for people to accept. Mum, are you listening? I believe that your body is a canvas and that everyone should express themselves externally through fashion! I am very extraverted and so are my clothes – I love platforms and all shoes chunky! Groovy slogans and vibrant patterns are my answer to fashion, but unfortunately not my mum’s… Yes, Dr Martens are back, and they’re kicking up a storm. Yes, flares will soon to be all the rage, and we just can’t get enough of cutsie twin-sets! Match this with a pair of chunky Windsor Smiths, Mum, and you’ll be the next hot topic to add to our list.”
5. TV! The Real Housewives of Melbourne and Orange Is The New Black
“Who doesn’t love kicking back and watching a bit of T.V? When it comes to anything with the title The Real Housewives Of… or Orange Is The New Black then I can’t help grabbing a cuppa and chuckle at mishaps and mayhem of Melbourne’s money-loaded, pooch-obsessed elite, or the dramas of the rough n’ rowdy ‘Litchfield’ inmates! My mum is only comfortable watching Downton Abbey and Father Brown, so unfortunately I don’t think we will bonding over the flicker any time soon. It’s always super interesting comparing our real life casual stroll in the park with our pup, to the Real Housewives of Melbourne’s million dollar ‘Pooch Parties’. Or our life at an all-girl’s boarding school compared to the all-women’s prison – surprisingly we have a lot of similarities!”
6. Celebrities AND the Unknown
“Sure it’s a bit of fun to read about Kimye (Kim Kardashian) and the directions she’s heading … But we’re interested in reading about much more than the ‘sex and celebrity stories’ featured in The Australian Women’s Weekly. When we pick up a magazine, we want to read about all different genres – from arts and crafts to super cool, new and upcoming musicians, and the world! Who doesn’t love bragging about knowing the new ‘it-person’ before they were famous? Oyster magazine has got all that covered, as well as really interesting interviews and articles on interesting people! We love reading about really random, yet really interesting things, like a fashion designers favourite soup, or an actress’s favourite Mario character – this is also Frankie magazine’s style, and we love! It’s all fun and games! But the coolest part of a magazine is the photography and art. Yen magazine’s photography page is out of this world, and the coolest part about it is that anyone can upload a picture to it! If you want to keep up with all the hottest goss’ without feeling too guilty, then Nylon magazine is the destination! So mum, time to let go of Country Style and shake things up a little – stop looking at houses and start looking at the future!”
Image Courtesy of Instagram
Oyster magazine has the perfect teen recipe – fashion, celeb, art, culture and world affairs.
7. Human Rights
“We’re very interested in human rights. Who would think teenage girls would give a toss about grown-up topics? We do! Social media plays a big part in this for us. The hot topic at the moment equal rights for all people – every race, gender and identity. It seems as if we have come a long way, however, most women are still not earning the equivalent amount as men do whilst doing the same job. People are still starving, some children are not getting the education they need to make a good life for themselves. And we are sending away hundreds and thousands of refugees fleeing for their lives. One artist that mixes politics and mean beats is M.I.A – famous for her controversial ways! Feminism was the message in her latest video for Gener8tion + M.I.A. – The International Sound Part II. This video speaks to me on a lot of different levels with the beautiful imagery and vital message of breaking the gender boundaries – a small girl who wants to learn self-defence instead of playing with Barbie Dolls. We think it’s really important that our generation helps to make the world a better place – we are going to make a difference! You just wait mum!”
By Rosie Spencer and Sadie Archibald.
Rosie and Sadie, thanks so much for sharing your world!
I found it interesting to see through the eyes of teens. We need to understand our teenage children better. Thanks Rosie and Sadie.