The Return of the Ice Bucket

[Prom season is once again upon us], [1 in 7 teens have participated in a “commodified sexual interaction”], and [the return of the Ice Bucket Challenge]. To hear Irene’s perspective as a mother on Prom, check out our Roundtable podcast, available now! But first:

Slang of the Week – “Plot armor”

Have you ever watched a show or read a book where it seems like a character (probably the main character) makes it through every situation unscathed? As if some sort of divine will (the author) needs them to continue the plot? If so, then you’re probably familiar with “plot armor,” a phrase that’s used to classify this unrealistic-feeling but often necessary storytelling trope of protecting the protagonist (or important characters) from harm or death in order to continue the story. It’s a phrase that’s especially relevant to teens who love fiction and anime, both forms of storytelling that often reinforce the trope or subvert it in surprising ways.

And now for our three conversations…

1. Dreams, Dresses, and Drama

What it is: Prom season—the high school tradition that’s part fairytale and part social pressure cooker, complete with curated playlists, over the top “promposals,” and outfits that give serious Met Gala energy—is back, once again.

Why it’s emotionally loaded: Depending on where you live, girls might spend anywhere from $150 to over $2,000 on prom, with the average landing somewhere around $1,000. But underneath trying to find the perfect dress and all of the excitement (and/or dread), both girls and boys carry expectations about being asked, being chosen, and yes, even about sex. For some, prom is a celebration. For others, it’s confusing: a mix of hope, pressure, and comparison. And while the night may only last a few hours, the emotional weight of it often lingers longer.

Continue the conversation: Do you feel like prom is stressful or fun?

2. Sexting for Clout

What it is: A new survey from online child safety nonprofit Thorn found that 1 in 7 children had participated in a “commodified sexual interaction” before they turned 18.

What is a commodified sexual interaction? Thorn uses this term to refer to “the exchange of items of value (both monetary and non-monetary) for a sexual interaction (e.g. chat, imagery) with a minor.” In other words, 1 in 7 children were offered money, gifts, or even social media followers in exchange for sexualized content, and said yes. As an article from Mashable puts it, “What begins as an exchange for material that’s rewarded with money, goods, or social opportunities can quickly turn into ongoing abuse and sextortion.” Young people need to be clearly taught that sending these sorts of images and videos leaves them at the mercy of whoever asked for them.

Continue the conversation: Do you understand the risks involved in sharing sexts or sexy selfies?

3. Ice Breaker 

What it is: The Ice Bucket Challenge is back, this time to raise awareness for mental health.

Why it’s resonating: The University of South Carolina’s MIND (Mental Illness Needs Discussion) Club is bringing back the social media trend under the new name #SpeakYourMIND. In the videos, a teen stands somewhere outside, they say a few words about mental health, they tag three friends to keep the trend going, and then someone drenches them with a bucket filled with ice water. The movement began at USC in honor of two students who died by suicide, and it has since raised nearly $300,000 for the mental health non-profit Active Minds. It’s personal, it’s performative, and it’s everywhere—especially on TikTok and Instagram. Gen Z is embracing this new version of the challenge not just because it’s going viral, but because mental health issues have affected so many members of their generation.

Let’s translate this one further…

Not everyone is a fan of the way the #SpeakYourMIND challenge is playing out. Some TikTokers are criticizing the performative nature of the trend. Others describe the tension of (language) seeing people who have been the source of their own mental pain and angst cheerfully dump ice water on themselves, as if that’s enough to make them an ally. But there’s no doubt that these videos are sparking real conversation about mental health issues, and about what it takes to actually address them.

In his book The Problem of Pain, C.S. Lewis wrote that, “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world.” Sometimes God uses pain to get our attention. In a similar way, when teens share their pain online, it’s rarely subtle—and the #SpeakYourMIND trend is designed to get our attention about their pain.

For a generation that often feels unseen or unheard, this trend has created an opportunity to be loud about their struggles. The complication is this: healing does come through honesty—but not necessarily through going viral. James 5:16 puts it like this: “Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed.” Translation: true healing comes from being known, loved, and prayed for in safe, honest relationships.

So the question becomes, how will those of us who come across these sorts of videos respond? Will we truly become more aware, more compassionate, and more sensitive about mental health—or will we just consume these struggles like any other type of content?

The #SpeakYourMIND Challenge is perhaps a cry for connection. As parents, mentors, and followers of Jesus, we should listen, and be the kind of people who don’t just watch these videos but reach out to our teens and young people.

For more context and nuance, check out our Roundtable podcast on Spotify, Apple, Amazon Music, or wherever you listen to podcasts. In the meantime, here are three questions to spark conversation with your teens:

PS: Know someone who could use our conversation starters with their teens? Share the CT with a friend!