I'm going to attempt to gaze into my crystal ball and try to divine what will be "hot" or "not" in 2007 in the teen space. Feel free to add your predictions in the comments.

Hot

Privacy: After a year of being busted for inappropriate photos, party directions, cyberbullying and blog confessions, I think teens are finally getting that the web is a public forum. Look for more private teen profiles and increased demand from teens for advanced privacy settings and options online as well as more companies like ReputationDefender popping up to help teens and parents clean up their digital trails.

Niche networks: Not all will survive, but I just got an email from about a site called BakeSpace (yes, it's a social network for people who love to bake) saying that lots of teens and tweens are signing up. Niches I think have the most potential are: the Christian youth space, high school sports space, crafts/DIY space and individual action sports.

Cheerleading: I'm going out on a limb here, but I think shows like "Heroes" and "Friday Night Lights" will revive teen interest in cheerleading. By showing cheerleaders like Claire, who are more nuanced and complex than the stereotype as well as cheerleading competitions (not just backing up the boys at games), girls may take a second look at what has become much more of a sport.

Alterna Spring Break: I think more and more young people are going to spend their spring breaks doing "good" - whether it's volunteering locally or traveling globally, and I think there will be sponsors who would rather be associated with this than body shots in Panama City.

Unplugging: Whether it's parents getting involved or teens themselves saying they need a break, I think unplugging -- even if just for a few hours or a day will become much more common in 2007. As media multitasking fatigue sets in, teens will actually begin to crave either face time (in person) with friends or parents as well as time spent outside away from a computer.

Not

Teen blogging: Just as blogging in general will cool off in 2007, I think less teens will start (and then quickly abandon blogs). Those superstar writers or vloggers or podcasters with something to say will continue, but for the rest of teens, blogging will simply be integrated into social networking as a whole vs. stand alone journals.

Polyphonic ringtones: There may be a few rebels who decide these are still cool and want to collect them, but as the music industry gropes desperately for ways to make money, real music ringtones will vanquish most polyphonic tones to the "oldies" bin.

MySpace: It's inevitable that competitors will take a bite out of MySpace's dominance with teens (they already have, especially Facebook). I also think the ongoing media coverage of predators, drugs, gangs, crime, etc. on MySpace will continue to inspire teen fatigue with this site and drive some teens to look for alternatives. They may still keep their MySpace profiles, but be more active on other sites.

Waif thin models: If Kate Winslet has her way, the size 00 will be a thing of the past. Between eating disordered pop starlets and skeletal models slinking down the runways, I think the real girl, healthier looking body will make a comeback in 2007. It will still be thin, just [hopefully] not emaciated.

The War in Iraq: As this bloodbath continues unabated, teens will become even more turned off to this presidency (like the rest of the country) and to even considering joining the military. They will keep supporting the troops, but look for a much more hostile environment for military recruiters from teens and their parents.

Posted by anastasia