The decision to interview these two teenage girls was based on the expectation that they would have a fresh recollection and understanding of their preteen years. Simply having experienced preteen years doesn’t necessarily qualify someone as an expert. However, as teenagers have recently passed through this stage of life, they can provide distinctive and meaningful perspectives on the present culture, interests, and difficulties confronting the preteen demographic. As teenage mentors, these two girls may be well-positioned to comprehend and relate to the issues confronting preteens.
The interview was conducted with parental supervision. Interestingly, the open and free-flowing environment led to a moment where the interviewees implied they might share more if their mother was not present. This inclination is not so much indicative of parental control but rather demonstrates a common adolescent preference for keeping certain personal experiences hidden from their parents.
They recognised their transition from childhood, mentioning that turning 13 birthday party marked an age where they could genuinely enjoy parties. Furthermore, they indicated that if they maintained good academic performance, most activities associated with popular teenage girls would be permitted at home.
A noteworthy insight from the interview was their preference for personal beautification over creating artwork due to a lack of time. (At this moment, her mother said it was just an excuse.) They expressed that making themselves look beautiful and sharing these moments with friends was their primary form of self-expression. This response highlights a shift in the mediums and methods through which the younger generation expresses and shares their creativity and self-expression.
From the interview, it was evident that these newly turned teenagers perceived themselves as mature individuals attending school. They valued non-stop communication with their friends, sending detailed texts via Snapchat. They did not view this frequent communication as a distraction but rather as a routine part of their lives, finding the concerns of adults regarding this behaviour perplexing.