Generation Beta Have Arrived! But the BIG Question is: How Do We Raise Them?
The next wave of children are arriving, and they’ve been given a name—Generation Beta. But the big question is: How do we raise Generation Beta to thrive in a world of AI, climate change, and constant connectivity? Born between 2025 and 2039, these children will grow up in a world more technologically advanced, environmentally challenged, and globally connected than ever before. The term Generation Beta was coined by demographer and futurist Mark McCrindle, who also introduced us to Generation Alpha (2010–2024). As we prepare for this new era of parenting, it’s worth exploring what life might look like for these future changemakers and how we can best support them. What Will Generation Beta Experience? Gen Beta will be shaped by forces far beyond what previous generations have known. Their childhoods will be immersed in technologies still in their infancy today—AI, virtual reality, and possibly even quantum computing. At the same time, they’ll face complex global challenges that will require resilience, empathy, and innovation. Here’s what I think is on the horizon for Generation Beta: A Tech-Driven World: Artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and advanced robotics will become everyday tools, not just futuristic concepts. Climate Responsibility: They will inherit a planet under environmental strain, with climate change, resource scarcity, and overpopulation at the forefront of their concerns. Blended Realities: With virtual reality and the metaverse evolving, their experiences of work, learning, and play may seamlessly combine the digital and physical worlds. Global Citizenship: Growing up in a hyper-connected world, they’ll be exposed to diverse cultures and ideas, making global awareness a key part of their identity. But while their world may be powered by technology, critical thinking, human connection and emotional intelligence will remain crucial skills. So, how can today’s parents prepare to raise tomorrow’s leaders? Parenting Tips for Raising Generation Beta Here are some key strategies: 1. Prioritise Human-to-Human Bonds In a world filled with AI companions and digital assistants, authentic relationships will be more valuable than ever. Encourage face-to-face conversations, empathy, and emotional intelligence from an early age. 2. Get Outside and Explore With screens becoming even more immersive, it’s essential to balance digital time with nature. Outdoor play fosters creativity, problem-solving, and a deeper connection to the environment—a vital value for a generation expected to champion sustainability. 3. Foster Digital Literacy and Online Safety Gen Beta will be digital natives—but that doesn’t mean they’ll automatically know how to navigate the online world safely. Teach them about privacy, cyberbullying, and the importance of creating a positive digital footprint. 4. Stay Informed About Emerging Trends AI tutors, VR classrooms, and tech we haven’t yet imagined will shape Gen Beta’s education and social lives. Staying updated on new tools will help parents guide their children wisely and make informed decisions. 5. Encourage Sustainability and Global Responsibility With climate change being a central issue for this generation, teach children to respect the planet, make mindful choices, and think globally. Small habits like recycling, gardening, or reducing waste can spark a lifelong commitment to sustainability. Looking Ahead Every generation faces unique challenges and opportunities. For Generation Beta, the balance between technology and humanity will be key. As parents, carers, and educators, our role is to help them grow into resilient, compassionate, and thoughtful individuals—equipped not only to navigate their world but to improve it. Here are some thought-provoking questions you can ask yourself as you prepare to raise your children in the Generation Beta era: 1. Nurturing Values in a Tech-Driven World 2. Preparing for a Rapidly Changing Future 3. Navigating the Digital Jungle 4. Fostering Resilience and Wellbeing 5. Building a Future-Focused Family Culture By reflecting on these questions, parents can lay the groundwork for raising thoughtful, resilient, and future-ready Generation Beta kids—ready to thrive in a world that’s still unfolding. Let’s start the conversation today—because tomorrow is already on its way. What do you think Generation Beta’s future holds? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
Is It Time to Ditch ‘Screentime’ and to Focus on What Really Matters ?
Image from FreePik For years, “screen time” has been the go-to measure of how much tech exposure is considered “too much.” Parents, educators, and researchers have relied on this idea to define and regulate children’s interactions with screens. But as technology becomes more embedded in every aspect of life, it’s clear this one-size-fits-all approach is outdated and too simplistic to capture the nuances of our digital lives. Here’s why it’s time to shift away from “screen time” and adopt a more comprehensive view of technology use, one that accounts for quality, intent, and impact. 1. Not All Screen Time is Created Equal When we label all tech use as “screen time,” we erase the vast differences in how people, young people and children interact with devices. For example, a child watching an educational documentary and a child scrolling aimlessly through social media may both be “using a screen,” but the experiences couldn’t be more different. Rather than focusing solely on time, we should consider the quality and purpose of the activity. A teenager attending a virtual coding workshop versus gaming for hours on end. A younger child video calling with family versus watching YouTube videos alone. A student researching for a school project versus binge watching ‘Married at First Sight’ A tween creating digital art versus endlessly scrolling through memes. A family using a fitness app together to exercise versus individually watching videos alone in a bedroom. So, maybe it’s time to ask ourselves better questions: Is the time spent on a screen Educational? Social? Creative? Proactive or Passive? This allows for a more balanced and intentional approach to technology, recognising that not all screen-based activities are harmful or unproductive. 2. It’s Not About Screens—It’s About Engagement The term “screen time” can evoke images of passive, zombie-like staring at a screen, but much of today’s tech use is far from passive. Many kids (and adults) use screens for interactive and social experiences, from video calls with friends to collaborative projects online. Focusing on engagement rather than time helps us see screens as tools for learning, connecting, and creating. When tech is used to engage with the world and with others, it can be a source of growth and connection rather than something that detracts from real life. 3. Encourages a More Nuanced Approach to Parental Guidance Relying on “screen time” as a blanket measure can make parents feel like gatekeepers, counting minutes and hours without necessarily engaging in meaningful dialogue with their children. A broader perspective on tech use allows parents to guide children in exploring tech with intention and responsibility. Conversations shift from “How much?” to “How and why?”—and this helps kids build digital literacy, an essential skill in today’s world. For instance, parents can foster critical thinking around tech by discussing privacy, cyberbullying, online empathy, and balance. By emphasising thoughtful use over restrictions, we prepare kids to make informed choices and develop healthy habits that go beyond the parent-controlled structure of “screen time.” 4. Reflects the Growing Role of Technology in Education and Social Development As digital education tools become more widespread, screens are essential for learning and development. Schools use devices for research, collaboration, and project-based learning, making “screen time” an obsolete framework for judging educational use. Technology also plays a growing role in children’s social lives; for many, social interaction now extends seamlessly from face-to-face to online spaces. In this context, social apps aren’t just “screen time” but platforms where kids socialise, create, and express themselves. 5. Supports Digital Well-being by Focusing on Balance and Boundaries Shifting from “screen time” to a more holistic view allows families to establish boundaries based on digital well-being rather than arbitrary time limits. Digital well-being emphasises creating boundaries that prevent tech from encroaching on essential activities like sleep, physical activity, and face-to-face time with family and friends. Balance allows us to enjoy the benefits of technology without it taking over other aspects of life. This approach also means teaching children to recognise when tech use is affecting their mood, energy, or focus. Self-awareness and self-regulation are key here: kids learn to notice when they’re tired or overwhelmed and need a break, helping them develop habits that support long-term well-being. 6. Aligns with Today’s Reality: Screens Aren’t Going Away In a world where screens are everywhere—from workplaces and schools to entertainment and social life—limiting screen use alone is not practical or sustainable. What we need is a focus on meaningful, purposeful interactions with technology that fit naturally within a balanced life. Screens are here to stay, and teaching children to navigate this reality wisely is a much more effective strategy than merely regulating time. Moving Forward: A New Framework for Technology Use Outgrowing the “screen time” mentality requires a shift in how we discuss, manage, and engage with technology as a whole. Here’s a simple framework to help families and individuals foster a healthier relationship with tech: By letting go of rigid screen time limits and adopting a more intentional framework, we empower ourselves—and our children—to develop a healthier, more balanced relationship with technology. In the end, the goal isn’t to eliminate screens; it’s to use them in ways that enrich our lives and align with our values. Is my child using tech to learn, create, or connect meaningfully, or mainly to pass the time? Am I setting a good example with my own screen habits? How does screen time affect my child’s mood, sleep, and energy? Are we balancing screen time with other important activities like family time, outdoor play, and exercise? Does my child know how to take breaks from screens and manage tech boundaries? Are we discussing what they’re doing online, or just limiting time? Am I encouraging a mix of online and offline hobbies and interests? Do I know what types of content my child is consuming and why they enjoy it? Have we created tech-free zones or times as a family? Does our approach to screen use help my child develop healthy digital habits?
