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If you're anything like this writer, we've just recently begun learning about Generation Z and how they differ from millennials. Time, however, does not stop for anyone; therefore, we are now examining the young people that make up the Gen Alpha group. The generation of people born between 2010 and 2025 is referred to as Generation Alpha.
As a result of their upbringing in a society where technology and the internet have always been a part of daily life, this generation is often referred to as 'digital natives.'
They are the first generation to have grown up in an era with social media and cell phones from day 1. Because of this, Gen Alpha children are more tech-savvy and view the world differently than children from earlier generations. As a result of their upbringing in a more connected world, they are also more varied and open-minded.
A few popular technologies today include social media, digital innovation, and smartphones. Many millennial parents today start exposing their kids to media before they can even communicate by using devices.
Not a surprise given that the first Alphas arrived in the world in 2010, the same year Apple unveiled the first iPad, and Instagram was launched as a social media platform. These technologies are now present in so many facets of young people's lives (at home, at school, etc.) that they appear to be essential companions.
The new issues facing parents of Generation Alpha centre on managing kid-friendly content, keeping an eye out for screen addiction, and combating cyberbullying. Parents face various difficult situations, but it is reassuring to consider that Millennial parents of Generation Alpha have grown up in the digital age and are, therefore, better able to handle these difficulties. Parents must remember that, despite outward variations, some fundamental interactions between parents and children never change.
"I think everything is easygoing for this generation. They struggle less and get everything tailored to their needs. However, this generation tends to take such facilities for granted because of not having to work hard for facilities which were privileges for us."
"I let my daughter use tech devices and also encourage her to use her own creativity and not be heavily tech dependent. Using her creativity will make her more resilient and a quick problem solver," said Iftekhar Kabir, a Uttara resident and an engineer in a software company.
"In keeping par with this generation. I sent my daughter to coding lessons when she was 8 so that she may be familiar with technology and identify her passion easily," remarked Mr Iftekhar.
Zayan Intaz of grade 6 from Aga Khan Academy (AKS), residing in Baridhara, said, "I often forget to do my school homework. That is why I have made it a routine to check Managebac for updates on homeworks and quizzes. Managebac is an app we use to keep track of our academics. I have switched on the notifications of the app so that I am reminded to do my homework."
"My son's school focuses on problem-solving by encouraging the students to study by themselves and discouraging parents to get involved. The kids are on the lookout for their own problems and try to solve them," said MD Mohsin Uddin, consultant of Trade and Finance of Sysmart.
"I try to cope with this generation by mixing old and new ways of upbringing. I tell him to look for storybooks online so that I can buy him those books. I use tech to bring traditional values like ready books and not E-Books. Its a balance," explained Mr Mohsin.
Ishayana Pihu of grade 2, Delhi Public School (DPS), residing in Uttara, is an active problem solver herself. When asked about her day-to-day problems, she said, "Sometimes I fight with my cousin sister. At that time, I try to solve the fight by thinking about what I could have done wrong. I also try to maintain some space so that I can calm myself. I go and play with my cousin again afterwards."
Globally, there will be 2 billion members of Generation Alpha by 2025. According to Grant Thornton U.K., it will be the richest, most educated, and technologically literate generation in history.
The wealth of knowledge parents now have access to is perhaps one of the best and worst aspects of raising a Generation Alpha child. With a few mouse clicks, modern parents can quickly and easily discover the solution online to almost any query.
Gen Alphas are used to instant access to knowledge and lectures, so other traditional teaching methods are no longer effective. They have individualised learning experiences designed to keep up with them, allowing them to learn at their own speed. In addition to the classrooms, online tutorials and learning modules will support their education and problem-solving strategies.
Gen Alpha kids tend to be independent learners and thinkers who can find information and solutions independently. All such new methods and strategies help the Gen Alpha generation uniquely solve their problems with the highest efficiency. They learn to think early and quickly with individual passions, which supportive parents fuel.