In a world where teenagers are often reluctant to participate in family photos, a new trend has emerged among Gen Z: the “nose cover.” This gesture, where teens cover the middle of their faces with their hands, is a compromise to maintain some presence in family pictures while protecting their privacy.
Venezuela Fury, daughter of boxer Tyson Fury, and her cousin Valentino, have been seen using this technique in recent photos, sparking curiosity about its significance.
Michelle Harris, a parent, shared her experience 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 concern was about online privacy: “‘No, but I will be if you post pictures of me online without my consent!’”
Teens, who are highly active online, often fear being ridiculed on social media for embarrassing photos. The “nose cover” is a strategy to avoid potential teasing while still being part of the family photo.
Parenting expert Amanda Jenner explains that this trend may also be linked to teenagers’ self-consciousness during their acne-prone years. She emphasizes the importance of respecting their need for independence and personal boundaries. “It’s important to remember that this phase is a normal part of growing up, where seeking independence and establishing personal boundaries are key developmental milestones,” Jenner told the publication.
However, Jenner acknowledges the challenges posed by the online world, especially when parents share unfiltered photos on social media. The “nose cover” allows teens to have a say in their online representation, balancing their parents’ desire to share family moments with their own need for autonomy.
Jenner laments the change in photo-sharing culture, noting that in the past, photos were kept in albums and viewed only occasionally. Today, even a simple profile picture update on WhatsApp can lead to a photo being circulated among peers and potentially used for teasing. Harris suggests that parents should seek their teenagers’ consent before posting their images online. “After all, I wouldn’t feel comfortable about a spotty photo of me being shared online either — would you?” she concludes.
