Junior School

Generation Alpha

During the recent holiday period, I read a book authored by Mark McCrindle and Ashley Fell, which was titled Generation Alpha – understanding our children and helping them thrive. It was truly fascinating to read and centred on understanding those children born between 2010 - 2024, otherwise known as Generation Alpha. When they have all been born (by 2025), children in this particular generation will number almost two billion; the largest generation in the history of the world!

Digital natives, they are bright, progressive, and genuinely concerned about key issues facing our world today. In the annual Mission Australia Youth Survey, young people who were surveyed last year identified the environment as one of the most important issues in Australia today, followed by equity and discrimination, and mental health. School, mental health and relationships were also highlighted as their biggest personal challenges, notwithstanding the added pressures of social media.

As such, it’s more important than ever for the next generation to be empowered and equipped with the tools, mindsets, and strategies to build resilience and thrive amidst life’s challenges and complexities. In fact, they are in desperate need of leadership, guidance, mentorship and most importantly, connection.

As educators and parents/carers, this is where we come in. Our role is not just to teach, but to lead and facilitate the growth and development of potential. To do this, it’s not enough to have all the tips and strategies. Connection and care are the gateway to engagement and empowerment.

Young people want to know that we care about them. By showing that we care, rapport can be built. A safe space for dialogue can be created, and the opportunity for engagement and empowerment thus emerges. It’s rather difficult to equip and constructively influence a young person if there isn’t a positive relationship already in place.

So, what are three things that we can do to connect with and enable students who are part of this generation to thrive?

• Be engaged - actions speak louder than words and promises to children. Spending quality time, such as sharing in activities they like, and giving more positive attention than criticism will ensure students feel secure, which can powerfully counteract the stressors on their rollercoaster pre-adolescent journey.
   
• Be equipped - while there are some adults who have the innate ability to quickly connect with young people, it’s far from easy for most; especially when dealing with students who are about to enter puberty! By asking open-ended questions, actively listening and showing genuine interest, we can connect with the children in our care and allow them to feel that their thoughts and ideas have been heard, understood and valued, even if they aren’t always actioned.
   
• Be empowering - every single student has their own set of unique skills to tap into and struggles to overcome, but they also have abundant potential, and it is our responsibility to believe in them and feed them with the optimism and empowerment that will hopefully unlock that potential. When they experience a setback, encourage self-reflection so they can learn and grow, fostering personal responsibility. Finally, don’t forget to celebrate their successes either, no matter how small.

By creating the routine and habit of having daily doses of connection and quality time with our children, both at home and at school, we are more likely to reap what we sow; a thriving young person who is suitably equipped to face the challenges of an ever-changing world! 

Ultimately, when it comes to building resilience, potential and hope in young people, it is important to remember that our students are inspired by the people they know, like and trust. A commitment to connection will make this more possible than you might realise.

If you have any queries or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me via email (glenn.stephenson@spc.nsw.edu.au) or phone (8705 9247) and I will endeavour to assist you in any way that I can.

May God bless you,

Glenn Stephenson

Director of Junior School