A few months ago, hardly anyone had heard the word “quadrobear,” and even among those who had, most did not know exactly what it was. Today, however, it’s impossible not to notice the trend – in the streets of large cities, residential courtyards, playgrounds, parks, and other public places, children and teenagers wearing animal masks and tails are increasingly visible. Most often, they move on all fours, imitating animals.

So, who are these quadrobears, and what is this mass trend?

Who Are Quadrobears?

Quadrobears can confidently be called a new subculture that has grown so popular over the past several months that it has started to overshadow some traditional subcultures. Why has it gained such momentum? One of the main reasons is the desire to follow trends, especially among teenagers. Adolescents are not quite children, but also not yet adults. At this age, it is easy to succumb to various influences. Being trendy, being recognized by peers, fitting in, being better than others, and joining new popular movements – these are the key motivations driving teens to join subcultures, including the quadrobear movement.

Does the Quadrobear Subculture Pose a Threat?

Without a doubt, self-identification is an important part of forming a child or adolescent’s personality. Establishing proper behavior models, learning communication skills, and behaving appropriately in different situations are things that children build within themselves over a long time.

• Could imitating animal behavior influence a child’s personality and socialization?
• Could simple play – mimicking animal behavior – affect the child’s psyche?
• Could a child immersed in the role of a quadrobear harm others?

There is no definitive answer to these questions. Each child is a limitless inner world hidden beneath an often seemingly strong exterior. Whether this play is dangerous depends on the mental state of the child and how seriously they take the imitation of animal behavior. The risk may arise when play goes beyond its boundaries, when mimicking animals impacts self-identification and, consequently, alters the process of socialization. When the role becomes a lifestyle, and normal human activities seem boring compared to the excitement of the play.

Animals are not always safe; not all are kind; some are aggressive. So why can’t a quadrobear or a group of quadrobears be used by someone with ill intentions, going beyond innocent jumps on “all fours in the grass”? This question is rather rhetorical.

What Should Parents Do When Their Child Becomes a Quadrobear?

No one understands a child’s inner world better than their parents. They must recognize and respond when it becomes evident that this is more than just a hobby. If it starts influencing other aspects of life, if it goes beyond being just fun – it becomes an obsessive or harmful habit. In such cases, it’s perhaps worth taking a more serious approach before it turns into something bigger than just a trend to follow. Love, attention, diverse activities, a proper connection with the child so they feel happy – these are the tools that can gradually reduce the value of quadrobearing, making it just one of many hobbies.

It is important to understand that quadrobearing is just an activity, one of the hundreds of hobbies that come and go during childhood and adolescence, posing no danger if the child feels happy and supported within their family and social environment.