TikTokers Think The ‘Minion Makeup’ Trend May Be Emotionally Scarring Kids… But Some Say It’s NBD

By Lara Kramer  •  08 Sep 2022 in News

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As of late, numerous parents have been jumping on the bandwagon of TikTok trends entailing pranks directed at their kids. The clips, usually depicting the children being upset or bursting into tears at some point, are quick to gain traction online.

Nevertheless, some viewers are expressing concern towards the after-effects of these acts on the young kids, as well as the parents’ willingness to garner views and go viral at the expense of their childrens’ feelings.

@angela.holm I feel so bad 😂 #minionsong #minions #minionsriseofgru ♬ Minion_lovers – Matthew Pena

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A recent trend that has surfaced is the “Minion makeover”, whereby parents trick their kids into getting their faces painted to resemble the cartoon or film character of their choice, only to be left looking like Minions, with yellow skin and thick, wide-framed glasses.

@loujaynidriss #neveragain ♬ Minion_lovers – Matthew Pena

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TikTokers, under the comments section of such videos, have stated that the issue does not lie within the way these parents choose to bond with their kids; rather the problem is the contrasting perspectives between the adult and child as well as the concept of a parent intentionally making their kid cry.

Some also noted that applying makeup or paint in such close proximity to a person’s eye is a pretty bad idea no matter the context, as the childrens’ skin may vary in terms of sensitivity, putting some at risk of irritation or worse still, infection.

Others feared that the child may perceive the prank as being lied to by a parental figure, an unpleasant feeling which could develop into trust issues and therefore affect their adolescent lives.

A report by the Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioural Assessment backs this statement. According to its findings, remembrances of regular teasing as a child were linked to having fewer close friends, and a more ambivalent attachment style in intimate relationships.

Although recalled-teasing was not attributed to a later-life friend count, it was related to other interpersonal difficulties. Prevalent teasing, in particular, was affiliated with less comfort with intimacy and bonding, minimal comfort in trusting and relying on others, a significantly larger extent of concern about being unloved or abandoned in relationships, and lower social self-esteem.

Dissimilarly, other TikTokers believe that the pranks are harmless and have managed to find humour in them. Many asserted that it was simply a bit of parent-child fun, noting that some of the clips ended well, with the children amused rather than upset:

@sarah.trevino #minions #minionmakeup #minionmovie #riseofgru #SplashSummerVibe #ShowUrGrillSkillz #makeup #mua ♬ Minion_lovers – Matthew Pena

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It was also mentioned that most of the parents made up for the prank by subsequently treating their kids to their prior makeover requests, or at least comforting them with a hug- but these comments are far and between in comparison to those disapproving of the content.

What do you think? Are these pranks just harmless fun, or possible contributors to a greater issue?