As known, Generation Alpha are typically the children of Millennials, though some are the children of Generation X or even Baby Boomer parents. It is generally understood that Millennials are those individuals born between the years 1981 and 1996, while Generation Alpha are those children born between 2010 to the year 2025, making them the first group to be born entirely within the 21st century.
Parenting guides for Alphas
Speaking of parenting Alpha children will bring with them their unique challenges and considerations when it comes to being their parents or caretakers. One of the most notable and obvious differences between Alphas and the generations before is their experience with and expectations of technology and media outlets. It is predicted that they will be the most technologically savvy generation on the planet. Not surprising considering the first Alphas were born in 2010, the same year the first iPad was released by Apple and Instagram was introduced as a social media platform. These technologies are now so prevalent in many aspects of the youth experience (home, school, etc), they have become seemingly necessary companions.
Social media, digital innovation, and smartphones are just a few staples this generation is used to. Today, there are a lot of millennial parents that introduce their children to media outlets through technological devices before they can even talk. This just goes to show how much of an influence and impact this content is having on the ideas and opinions of this young generation. With social networking platforms, kids can have information right at their fingertips. Whether they’re watching their favorite influencers, interacting with other consumers, or being exposed to a variety of topics, the media can influence how children perceive their surrounding environment.
The result of all this technology is a debate surrounding how it should be monitored and controlled. Unlike other generations, Alphas are being born into this technology rather than introduced to it, which means they cannot determine for themselves how best to consume these technologies. Rather, they intuitively know how to use these tools specifically if they are presented as touchscreens. Unfortunately, there is no one size fits all solution to the problems presented by the use of technology at a young age, though research will continue to evolve as Alphas grow older and the effects are observed. While it may be too soon to see how this content will influence them, we are certain that the ideas and opinions of this generation will differ from their older generations. In the meantime, it is up to parents to determine what they believe is best for their children. Many Millennials, especially those on the younger end of the generation, also grew up with technology present in a significant portion of their childhood, though not all. Using technology at a young age can help to improve educational experiences and knowledge. However, the concern about extended screen time is not unfounded and could impact a child’s development.