When we examine any generation, stereotypes and one-liner judgments often run rampant. As Gen Alpha moves into high school, they’re no exception. Adults often boil down these kids, born after 2010, to their experiences with technology, the internet, and COVID-related disruptions. But what does research show about the average Gen Alpha student?
Here are five things youth leaders should know about members of Gen Alpha. These come from Gen Alpha: The Next Generation, a recent report by OneHope:
1. Family matters
Family has a huge influence on Gen Alpha, with 95% of students describing their family experiences as good. In OneHope’s study, 83% of Gen Alpha respondents said they turn to family members most often for advice about right and wrong.
2. Fears and struggles
For members of Gen Alpha, the top four worries include doing well in school, having friends, being bullied, and losing a loved one. Another trend for youth leaders to note is high rates of loneliness, anxiety, and depression among these students. According to Gen Alpha: The Next Generation, 45% of young people said they’ve experienced loneliness in the last three months. In addition, 44% reported high anxiety and 30% reported depression during that timeframe.
3. Digital natives
During a typical day, Gen Alpha preteens spend an average of four hours and six minutes online on non-schoolwork activities. This presents dangers that no previous generation has faced. Although the internet and social media provide opportunities to form connections and relationships, excessive scrolling and posting can drain kids and heighten their fears, anxieties, and comparisons.
4. Commitment to evangelism
On a positive note, 82% of Gen Alpha Christians feel confident in their faith, and 64% said they feel a responsibility to share it with others. When asked who they talk to about Jesus, most youth said family, followed by friends, strangers, and online/social media. Only 10% of young Christians said they keep their faith to themselves.
5. Spiritual seekers
Another promising trend to note: Gen Alpha seems open to spiritual ideas, even if they aren’t sure what they believe. Among non-Christians, 58% of students said they’d be open to attending a Christian church service if a friend invited them. About two-thirds (32%) said they believe God exists and they can have a personal relationship with Him.
