ARTICLE
Parenting Generation Alpha
The internet and the global community has made it more accessible than ever, to be connected with others around the world. This is particularly true for parenting information, with parents turning to online communities for support, experts and other parents facing similar challenges. As parents to Gen Alpha raise this globally connecting emerging generation, they too are turning to both technology and their close circle for parenting support.
Parenting in a digital era
Two in three parents of Gen Alpha (65%) strongly or somewhat agree they seek parenting advice from their close inner circle. More than half (54%) use social media or other online platforms for parenting advice. Parenting advice from around the world is consumed by 38% of parents who engage with international experts on social media, global forums and overseas parenting blogs.
Raising children in community with other parents
More than half of parents of Gen Alpha (53%) strongly or somewhat agree they regularly spend time with other parents at least once a month. Considering a significant proportion of Gen Alpha parents work full time or part time (80%), it is encouraging to see community with other parents being prioritised amidst competing demands.
Two in five parents of Gen Alpha (40%), however, often feel lonely, despite regularly being around children or other family members, highlighting the sense of isolation which can coincide with raising children.
Parents are optimistic for the future
Despite the challenges parents to Gen Alpha face, three quarters of parents (75%) are hopeful about the world their children will inherit. In fact, Gen Alpha’s engagement with technology from such a young age is already having a positive impact in their households. Four in five parents (79%) say their children have influenced them to be more environmentally aware in their consumption decisions. This is just one example of how Gen Alpha children may have a positive impact in the years to come.
Parents acknowledge the benefits and challenges of screen-use
The top benefits that parents of Gen Alpha associate with their child’s screen use include entertainment, learning and connection with others.
Parents also have concerns when it comes to their children using screens. The biggest concerns include their child developing a reliance on a screen or device (59%), followed by the impact on their child’s behaviour (58%) and exposure to inappropriate content (52%).
Delaying their interaction
While Gen Alpha’s interaction with screens is inevitable, parents are weighing up the benefits to their child’s screen engagement. Half of parents to Gen Alpha (50%) strongly or somewhat agree they delayed or are delaying their child owning a device for as long as possible. To a greater extent, almost three in four parents (71%) have delayed or are delaying their child setting up social media accounts for as long as possible.
