“Although Generation Beta haven’t been born yet, we can predict some things about them based on the context that will surround them. We anticipate that Generation Beta will be a technologically integrated generation, curious, one that values diversity, and embraces change and difference – because these are the themes of today that we expect to continue in the years to come.” Ashley Fell
Ashley Fell is a social researcher, author and Director of Advisory at McCrindle, a research and advisory service that studies social trends and generational analysis. Founder Mark McCrindle was the first to give the name Generation Alpha to the group of children born between 2010 and 2024, and so it seems only natural that the generation to follow, will be Beta.
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The tail end of Generation Z/the iGen (1995-2009) are currently in their final years of high school, while Generation Alpha (2010-2024) are making their way through primary and high school. Fell explains the main difference between these two groups:
“While previous generations have been shaped by technology, we see Generation Alpha as being distinctly digital, visual, global, mobile and visual. As the first generation fully born in the 21st Century, they haven’t known a world without technology and social media, whereas the older part of the Generation Z cohort will remember a time before these devices and platforms.”
The defining difference between the generations is the ubiquitousness and infiltration of technology in every aspect of their lives.
“We predict to see Generation Alpha as more virtual than digital, with the rise of Artificial Intelligence as well as the Metaverse taking place in their formative years and many already operating in early prototypes of it (such as Minecraft, Roblox and Fortnite),” Fell explains.
“The times, technologies and social events that we live through shape us all but are more defining for those experiencing them in their formative years,” she adds. “As Generation Beta arrives, we will watch these technologies and social events closely, to see what will shape this 21st Century generation as they arrive, as they age and gain autonomy and influence.”
Who will be teaching Gen Beta?
The oldest Generation Beta’s will begin entering primary school in 2030. That means their teachers will be Gen Z (who will be in their 20s and early 30s), Gen Y (who will be in their late 30s and 40s) and Gen X (who will be in their 50s and early 60s). Fell predicts that in the early stages of Gen Beta’s education, there will still be some Baby Boomers educating them as the trend of people living longer and working later continues.
“To accommodate the emerging generation of students, and to prepare them for a global and diverse world, I see schools changing in the following ways,” explains Fell. “Integrating technology seamlessly into the learning environment, utilising interactive platforms, virtual reality, and AI-driven personalised learning. Personalised learning pathways that promote lifelong learning, catering to individual strengths and interests will also be important for this new generation.”
“Education in the future will focus on developing critical thinking, creativity, and emotional and social intelligence in students. This involves moving beyond traditional teaching methods to include project-based learning, problem-solving activities and social-emotional learning programs. By fostering these skills, students will be better prepared to navigate complex challenges and thrive in a rapidly changing world.” Ashley Fell
The impact of the pandemic years on the current generations
“When COVID-19 first rocked our world in early 2020, there were immediate significant changes to children’s lives. These included being confined to their homes and not being able to visit friends, play in the park, go to school or see grandparents or family who lived outside of their home,” says Fell. “I have seen discourse about the impact of COVID-19 on their education and development of social skills as well, which I’m sure many teachers can attest to.”
“Generation Alpha have become the COVID-19 generation, not in terms of virus impacts but in the resulting economic, social, educational and psychological impacts for their future.”
Fell explains that some of the longer-term impacts of the pandemic on Generation Alpha include:
- Technology will become even more integrated into their life.
- They will value family time more, as it has become an expected and regular part of their life.
- Working and learning from home will become a regular part of their future.
- They will have a greater ability to connect with regional areas as work from home becomes a common way of working.
A message for teachers
“When writing the Generation Alpha book, I was struck by how many people were pessimistic about the emerging generations and their future,” says Fell. “There’s no doubt that Generation Alpha and Generation Beta will come up against their challenges, their own storm clouds and uncertainty. Some of these challenges and uncertainties are obvious and others we haven’t had the insight to forecast, but one thing is certain to us: their future is bright, and like every other generation, they will find the tools they need to thrive in it.”
“The future for these young people is exciting – full of creativity, innovation and opportunity. They’re not only following the positive examples set by older generations but are empowered to take action, stand up for what they believe in and pave a new way forward.”
