When adults think about kids these days, emotions such as overwhelm and frustration often come to mind, leaving many wanting to pull their hair out. However, for this month’s spotlight, I am highlighting the hopeful and incredibly positive attributes of our younger members of society. Let’s start by defining these youngest generations.
Generation Z includes those born between 1995 and 2012, making them 15 to 29 years old today. This generation is also known as iGen. Generation Alpha follows Gen Z and encompasses young people born between 2013 and 2025—currently 11 years old and younger. Generation Alpha earned their name from the first letter of the Greek alphabet.
One of the first behavioral areas often associated with adolescents today is technology. As a parent of two Generation Alphas, I find that technological evolution and (over?)access to information provoke fear and spark ongoing negotiation in my home and car. When is it appropriate for my child to have their own device? How can I monitor the content they access? These are valid and personal considerations for each family. Locally, 27% of Eagle County parents report giving their child(ren) a tech device before age 10, while 43% provide a device between ages 10 and 14.
When it comes to student-reported screen time, 60% of Eagle County middle school youth and 67% of high school youth report being in front of a screen for three or more hours daily for non-school or work purposes. Yet only 43% of local parents believe their child(ren) uses a technology device for three or more hours per day. (2023 Healthy Kids Colorado Survey and Mountain Youth Parent Survey)
Despite concerns about screen time, the technology available to today’s youth offers many benefits. For example, proficient use of online platforms connects diverse individuals across the globe and provides access to information on virtually any subject. Enhanced learning, boosted creativity, increased problem-solving abilities, and the development of critical thinking skills are frequently cited as advantages of today’s technology for youth.
Both generations are digital natives who have grown up with smartphones and tablets. However, Gen Alpha is the first generation to be born into a fully digital world. Students are adept at navigating multiple platforms and many youth recognize how to use technology efficiently for educational purposes. Fortunately, as concerns about online safety grow, more tools and awareness exist to help young people stay safe and protected.
In researching key characteristics of Gen Z and Gen Alpha, the emphasis on mental health stood out. Unlike previous generations, young people today are growing up in environments where discussing uncomfortable feelings and seeking professional help are more common. They prioritize well-being and encourage mindfulness. More students are learning emotional regulation techniques, and access to mental health resources has expanded significantly. However, many argue there is still a considerable shortfall, particularly in multilingual and affordable mental health care.
This focus on well-being and healthy work-life balance is extending into workplaces as Gen Zers enter the workforce, encouraging employers to support professional teams with creative opportunities for balance.
Creativity also shines as a defining characteristic of today’s youth, often linked to technology and the problem-solving skills developed through digital gaming. These generations are independent, self-directed, and autonomous individuals who create and manage their own digital identities. They value diversity and inclusion, demonstrate a strong commitment to justice, and expect diverse leadership.
All in all, I am deeply optimistic about the independence, passion, and savvy that young people are embracing. Since our inception in 2001, Mountain Youth has set out to support youth thrive and we have proudly empowered youth to make a difference and embrace healthy behaviors through education, connection, and innovative opportunities.
Mountain Youth is also here to support parents as they navigate the challenges their children face. Through programs like We Hear U, Eat Chat Connect, Guiding Good Choices, and more, we provide resources and tools to help families thrive. These impactful programs are only possible thanks to generous donations from our community. As Colorado Gives Day approaches on December 10, we would like to remind our community that any gift made between now and then will be boosted by an incentive fund. Your support directly empowers us to continue offering these vital programs and ensures a brighter future for our youth, no matter what generation they’re from. To make your impact, visit https://www.coloradogives.org/organization/MountainYouth.
-Michelle Hartel, Executive Director
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