Different generations don't see eye to eye very often as they perceive life in different ways... which includes photo etiquette for some reason.
If anyone understands modern trends then it's Gen-Z, and with the pace at which things move nowadays, it can be hard to keep up with what's "in" at the minute.
So who knew that there were different ways to have a photo taken as opposed to just smiling at the camera?
Growing up, you're often forced to take part in family photos and usually do it begrudgingly, but Gen-Z have decided to protest by covering their faces.
The trend was noticed by Tyson Fury's fans. Credit: Paris Fury/Instagram
Parent Michelle Harris recounted her experience, sharing her concerns with The Sun: "After several attempts to snatch the perfect Christmas family photo, I turned to my teen and finally asked him, 'Why? Is everything OK? Why won't you show up in family photos for the handsome boy that you are anymore?'
"And then the big whopper: 'Are you being bullied?'"
To her surprise, her son's response shed light on the emerging trend: "No, but I will be if you post pictures of me online without my consent!"
Harris went on: "As parents, we want to capture it all. Their first step, every tooth, the braces, the spots and then we proudly post in our online social circles mindlessly without stopping to think how damaging this can be to our youngsters within their own online social groups."
Explaining the thought behind "nose covering", Harris explained: "He went on to explain how the nose cover is just a signal to their peers that they won’t be caught slipping which we eventually translated to meaning off guard.
"So essentially the ‘nose cover’ for most is just a way to avoid being a target for ridicule in their digital spaces with friends."
Parenting expert Amanda Jenner explained the trend as a response to teenagers' struggles during their acne-riddled awkward phase, where they may not be comfortable embracing their appearance, adding that it was "a normal part of growing up, where seeking independence and establishing personal boundaries are key developmental milestones."
Jenner highlighted the challenges faced by teens in the online realm, particularly when unfiltered or unedited photos are shared on parents' social media profiles. The "nose cover" emerges as a compromise, allowing teenagers to participate in family photos while still maintaining a degree of autonomy.
"It's very sad that we can't share and be proud of family photos, but unfortunately, this is the way it is today," lamented Jenner.
Harris suggested that parents could ask teenagers for their consent and "negotiate" about which photos can and can't be posted, adding: "After all, I wouldn't feel comfortable about a spotty photo of me being shared online either - would you?"
It's good to see that parents are taking their children's thoughts into account and it's important to stress that consent is important.
That being said, my mom would have glared at me and told me to stop being stupid if I covered my face - how times change!
