Gen Alpha know: it's cool to be kind!

Every generation is born into a world with significant advances in technology, as well as changes in how they view the world, themselves and other people. The only generation that has never experienced a world without smartphones and social media is Generation Alpha, which encompasses people born between 2010 and 2025. They are thought to be much more aware, as they live in a globally connected world.^[1] 

One area that has undergone tremendous change through the generations is the discussion of feelings and emotions. 

There are pros and cons to living in a tech-savvy world, but what seems to be emerging is that the Gen Alpha generation have an empathy and willingness to support those who are in more need.^[2] This doesn’t imply that every person born between 2010 and 2025 will share these characteristics, as they’ll have their own unique values, thoughts and ideas. 

They see more of what is happening globally and this might help them relate their experiences to those of others. Your child’s empathy will take a long time to develop, but having their own feelings and emotions recognised and understood, and talking about how they and others feel will support your child to develop these skills.   

Understanding what their own emotions are and how they feel supports your child to respond to the emotional cues of others. 

A Save the Children survey carried out in May 2022 of children aged 7 to 14 years old in the United Kingdom found that 79% of children wish that they could do more to help other children around the world. With children becoming increasingly aware of global issues they have a natural desire to help others.^[2] 

Another study, carried out with 3.5 million Gen Alpha children in 2020, showed that they are passionate about helping others.^[3] 

Talking about feelings and emotions can be helpful when we think about being kind to others 

We know that children learn from watching and observing how their loved ones treat others.  

When children see people treating one another with respect, empathy and understanding, it helps them understand what kindness means.  

Spend some time discussing feelings and emotions with your child when it is suitable. Remember moments when your child was kind to someone and talk about how it made them feel.  

If your child has access to global news, there is a chance they will see more of how people can be, and are, kind to those who are in need. Talking about what is happening around the world can help your child understand how kindness can be shared with people outside of their immediate home and community. 

References: 

[1] M. McCrindle., A, Fell. (2020). Understanding Generation Alpha. McCrindle Research Pty Ltd.  

[2] Save the Children. (2022) Gen Alpha's New Rebellion continues. Beano Brain. 

[2] Beano Studios. (2020) GEN ALPHA: THE REBIRTH OF RESILIENCE.