Think emo, goths, and punks are a thing of the past?
Not quite! Today’s teen subcultures may look different from those in the early 2000s, but they’re just as vibrant — maybe even more so.
Teenagers have always loved to express themselves — through music, fashion, behavior, and belonging to something bigger.
In the 1950s, rock'n'roll became a global force, and riding motorcycles was the cool thing to do. Then came the hippies — flower crowns, peace signs, and all.
And the list kept growing: punks, metalheads, goths, ska kids...
It seems like there’s never been a generation without a subculture — because that’s how teens explore who they are.
And yes, Gen Z (and even Gen Alpha!) has their own unique tribes.
Most talked-about subcultures in 2025
🐾 1. Quadrobears
This is one of the most well-known — and controversial — teen trends. Some adults say kids should “just be kids.” Others argue that pretending to be animals is completely normal — after all, children have been doing that for centuries.
And yet, the quadrobear phenomenon has made headlines in many countries. Thousands of kids and teens around the world dress and act like cats, dogs, and other animals — sometimes with tails and ears, sometimes just with playful behavior.
We wrote more about quadrobears in this article.
🎤 2. K-pop Fans
K-pop isn’t just a music genre — it’s a lifestyle. And for millions of teens worldwide, it's a way of being.
K-pop idols influence fashion, beauty standards, and even social behavior. Fans follow group comebacks, style trends, and fandom rules with intense passion.
That’s why K-pop stans can definitely be considered one of the biggest modern subcultures.
🖤 3. Alty Kids & "Nephors"
You probably haven’t heard these terms outside Russia, but they're part of a big local trend.
These teens blend styles from multiple subcultures — but most of all, they resemble emos.
Think: dyed hair (black, pink, or neon), dark oversized clothes, and cute anime patches — like little cats or cartoon skulls. They often hang out in shopping mall food courts and post stylized selfies on social media.
You might’ve spotted them without even realizing it!
Are These Subcultures Dangerous?
Any obsession can become harmful if it goes too far. But most of the time, subcultures are a healthy way for teens to explore identity, creativity, and community.
So if your child starts dressing differently, don’t panic or say things like:
Stop being weird and dress like a normal person.Instead, listen, support, and stay connected. Your child needs to feel accepted — especially during the messy, emotional teen years.
What subcultures await us in the future?
For over 70 years, teens have used subcultures to express themselves. Maybe it started even earlier — just less visibly. Some subcultures help teens hide from the world, others help them open up and shine.
What will the next trend be? We don’t know yet — but one thing is certain: Subcultures aren’t going anywhere.
As parents and educators, the best thing we can do is guide, support, and stay curious.
At Palme School, we take an individual approach to each student. We understand that kids are all different — and that’s exactly what makes them amazing.
👇 Sign up for a free trial lesson and see how we help children learn and grow with confidence. Just fill out the registration form below.
