Teenagers are infamous for being on the cutting edge of current fads and trends. The reason why teens are on the lookout for something new and different is almost a given: they are working on their identity. Your teen wants to identify with something that makes him/her feel good about themselves. Something new comes out, all the teens and their peers check it out. If it sticks for a little while, it’s a fad. If it sticks around a longer time, it becomes a trend.
Many fads are harmless. Back in my day people cut the sleeves and collars of sweatshirts off and wore them inside-out. No big deal. This fad did not become a trend and is no longer seen. Today, everyone owns an IPod and will text friends on their cell phones. These fads will either fade with new technology or become a trend and stay around awhile. We’ll have to wait and see.