Real reason why Gen-Z are doing the 'nose trend' in family photos has finally been explained

A week doesn't pass on the internet without some new trend emerging, presumably just to make those of us who remember Vine and Bebo feel old.

I don't even pretend to be au fait with the most on fleek new things emerging on social media, as I'm sure my use of 'on fleek' will make clear.

Paris Fury's family members have been spotted covering their faces. (TikTok/@parisfury1)

So needless to say the latest trend of teenagers covering up their noses while having their picture taken is the latest in a long line of things which leave folks like me baffled and contemplating our growing irrelevance.

Let me just take a millennial pause before continuing.

The 'nose cover' trend has been spotted all over the internet, with a notable example being from Paris Fury, the wife of boxer Tyson Fury.

Her niece Valentino and daughter Venezuela have both started to cover their noses with their hand while having their picture taken.

This isn't like holding your nose, but placing your hand over it with an open palm, with the gesture itself perhaps giving something of a clue to its meaning.

So what is the purpose of this weird gesture?

Many people online thought that it might be some sort of secret signal, but that is probably not the case.

Many teens might make the gesture while having their picture taken with family. (Thomas Barwick / Getty)

Holly Zoccolan is the founder of The Carol App, and offered up an explanation alongside fellow parenting expert Amanda Jenner in an interview with Fabulous.

Jenner explained that far from being some sort of secret signal the nose cover is a way to still participate in a photo being taken, but avoid having your picture in there.

"Using covers is the only way they can remove themselves without actually upsetting their parents by refusing to be in the photo," Jenner said.

"We as parents want and insist on capturing the moment but to a teenager this is a big deal. Teenagers go through a period of not embracing their appearance, i.e. could be spots, braces, or they just have a time in their lives where they have no self confidence."

Jenner went on to say that sharing images online could 'really affect teenagers'.

She explained: "Their peers can often share the photo and make fun of it which is very harmful to their confidence also resulting in harmful comments which can lead onto other issues."

So what can parents do to help with the trend of people covering their nose?

Teens being embarrassed by parents - some things never change (stock photo). (CREATISTA / Getty)

Jenner explained: "Remember that this phase is a normal part of growing up, where seeking independence and establishing personal boundaries are key developmental milestones."

Mom Michelle Harris questioned her 13-year-old son after she saw that he would cover his face in photos.

She explained: "Apparently the teens have group chats of their own and they're very active with school peers on the look out and competing to find and share the most embarrassing family photos of each other so they can ‘roast’ them in the group...

"So essentially the ‘nose cover’ for most is just a way to avoid being a target for ridicule in their digital spaces with friends."

And as with many things, communication is important, Harris saying: "Perhaps we should be asking for our teenagers for their consent and making negotiations about what we can and can't post.

"After all I wouldn't feel comfortable about a spotty photo of me being shared online either, would you?"