Generation Alpha facts for kids

Generation Alpha, often called Gen Alpha, is the group of people born after Generation Z. They are the first generation to be born entirely in the 21st century. Most researchers agree that this generation includes children born from the early 2010s to the mid-2020s. They are named after alpha, the first letter of the Greek alphabet. Most members of Generation Alpha are the children of Millennials.

This generation is known for growing up with technology like smartphones and social media from a very young age. They have never known a world without these tools. Their early years were also shaped by the COVID-19 pandemic. In the 2020s, their entertainment often comes from streaming services and digital games rather than traditional television. Because they use screens so much, there are discussions about how this affects their learning and health.

Where did the name come from?

The name Generation Alpha was created by Mark McCrindle, a researcher from Australia. In 2008, his team ran a survey to decide what to call the group coming after Generation Z.

McCrindle explained that in science, the Greek alphabet is often used after the Latin alphabet runs out. Since the last generation was "Z", it made sense to start over with "Alpha". This represents a new beginning for a generation born entirely in the new millennium.

Other names have been suggested. Because many were born or grew up during the COVID-19 pandemic, some people called them "Coronials". Others have called them "Generation AI" because of the rise of artificial intelligence.

When were they born?

There is no single official rule for when Generation Alpha starts and ends. However, many sources use the years 2010 to 2024.

• Mark McCrindle uses 2010–2024.
• The Cambridge Dictionary says they are people born in the 2010s and 2020s.
• Some psychologists suggest slightly different dates, like starting in 2013.

People born right on the border between Generation Z and Generation Alpha are sometimes called Zalphas.

How many people are in Generation Alpha?

A map showing birth rates around the world. Darker colors mean higher birth rates.

By 2025, Generation Alpha has grown to over 2 billion people worldwide. Every week, about 2.5 million new babies are born.

Most of this generation lives in Asia and Africa. In these regions, populations are still growing. In contrast, many countries in Europe and the Americas have fewer babies being born.

Why are birth rates changing?

A chart showing the world population by age in 2024.

In many wealthy countries, people are having fewer children. This is often because:

• People want to finish their education first.
• Raising children has become more expensive.
• Women have more career opportunities.

Because of this, the average number of children a woman has (fertility rate) has dropped globally. In 1950, the average was 4.7 children. By 2017, it was 2.4. Countries like South Korea have very low birth rates, while countries like Niger have high birth rates.

School and Learning

Technology has changed how Generation Alpha learns. In the past, schools focused on textbooks and blackboards. Now, tablets and computers are common.

Changes in classrooms

Students using a tablet for a geometry lesson.

A child learning to code with Scratch.

In the United States, almost all schools had high-speed Internet by 2019. This allows students to use digital tools for lessons.

There is also a debate about handwriting. In 2010, some schools stopped requiring students to learn cursive writing. However, some states brought it back later. Experts say writing by hand helps the brain develop memory and motor skills.

Education around the world

• Japan: The government made preschool free for children aged three to five to help families with costs.
• France: A program called the Service National Universel teaches teenagers about civic duty and French society.
• Vietnam: The government has improved schools and daycare to encourage families to have children.

Health and Well-being

A chart showing that fewer babies are dying young compared to the past.

Screen time and eyes

More children are needing glasses for eye problems.

Doctors have noticed that more children are becoming nearsighted (having trouble seeing things far away). This is partly linked to spending a lot of time looking at screens on phones and tablets. This condition is sometimes called "digital eyestrain".

To help with this, experts recommend:

• Taking breaks from screens.
• Spending more time outside.
• Limiting how much time is spent on devices each day.

Allergies

Food allergies have become more common. In the United States, peanut allergies have increased. One theory, called the "hygiene hypothesis", suggests that because modern environments are very clean, children's immune systems do not get enough practice fighting germs. This might make their bodies overreact to harmless things like peanuts.

Nutrition

While fewer children are going hungry compared to the past, obesity is a growing problem. The United Nations reported that millions of children are either overweight or not getting the right nutrients. Eating too much fast food and sugary drinks contributes to this issue.

Technology and Fun

Growing up with devices

A child using a tablet at a museum.

Children watching a video on a portable device.

Generation Alpha is sometimes called "iPad kids". Many were given tablets or smartphones as toddlers to keep them entertained. By the age of one, many children had already interacted with a screen.

Popular entertainment includes:

• Streaming: Services like Netflix, Disney+, and YouTube Kids.
• Shows: Cocomelon, Peppa Pig, and Bluey.
• Internet Culture: New slang words often come from internet videos. For example, the Oxford English Dictionary chose brain rot as its word of the year in 2024. The word skibidi, from the viral "Skibidi Toilet" videos, was added to the Cambridge Dictionary in 2025.

Safety online

Because children are online so much, parents and experts worry about safety. Issues include:

• Privacy: Parents posting photos of their kids without asking.
• Content: Seeing things that are not appropriate for their age.
• Cyberbullying: Unkind behavior on social media.

The COVID-19 Pandemic

A girl wearing a mask during the pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic was a major event for Generation Alpha. Even though children were less likely to get very sick from the virus, their lives changed in big ways.

• School: Many schools closed, and students had to learn from home on computers.
• Socializing: They could not see friends or extended family for long periods.
• Emotions: Studies showed that many children felt worried or confused. They learned new words like "social distancing".

For some children, especially in poorer countries, the pandemic made it harder to get enough food or go to school.

The Future

Generation Alpha will grow up in a world with an older population. By the 2030s, there will be many more people over the age of 60.

Experts predict that Generation Alpha will:

• Live longer than previous generations.
• Work later into their lives.
• Be very educated and skilled with technology.
• Face challenges related to climate change, such as more heatwaves.

See also

• List of generations
• Generation Z
• Digital native

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  Playgrounds are important for physical activity.