By: Ashley Fell

As we stand at the threshold of welcoming Generation Beta into the world, it’s worth reflecting on the influence that parenting will exert on shaping their future. While it may be premature to define this next generation’s characteristics, understanding the values and behaviors of their prospective parents—primarily younger Millennials and older Gen Zs—offers some intriguing insights into what might lie ahead.

Generation Alpha describes those born between 2010 and 2024, which means that the generation following them will be Generation Beta, born between 2025 and 2039. By the middle of the 2030s, we anticipate that Generation Beta will make up 16% of the global population. They will be the children of younger Millennials and older Gen Zs. Incredibly, many people within Generation Beta will live to see and work in the 22nd century.

The following insights are based on a nationally representative survey (by gender, age and state) of 2,004 Australians conducted by McCrindle from May 30 to June 4, 2024. We filtered respondents with children under the age of 18, leaving a sample of 738 respondents.

Trends in parenting styles set to shape Generation Beta

The Gen Z demo is redefining parenthood in ways that depart from the norms of previous generations. Unlike their predecessors, who were often characterized by a balance of structured parenting and a focus on achievement, this new generation of parents are exhibiting a more nuanced approach in the following ways.

1. Adaptability in parenting tools

While both Millennial and Gen Z parents are aiming to raise well-rounded, empathetic children, their approaches reflect their unique generational values and experiences. 

Millennial parents lean on their extensive knowledge of child development and technology, encouraging open communication. Meanwhile, we’re seeing a cohort of Gen Z parents that prioritize balancing family life and holistic well-being, ensuring their children grow up in a supportive and nurturing environment. 

One notable trend among this new wave of Gen Z parents is a preference for flexibility and adaptability in the parenting tools they use. They will be more inclined to switch between an outsourcing approach and a hands-on one, as needed. For example, we are seeing increases in the number of parents engaging in childcare (outsourcing) and also homeschooling (hands-on). 

This adaptability stems from their own upbringing in a rapidly changing world, where they witnessed the evolution of technology and societal norms firsthand. These evolving parenting approaches highlight the diversity within generational cohorts, and also promise a rich and varied upbringing for Generation Beta.

2. Emphasis on individuality and emotional intelligence

Another hallmark of Gen Z (and therefore their parenting as well) is a heightened emphasis on fostering individuality and emotional intelligence. We can expect this new generation of parents to prioritize open communication, empathy and self-expression, encouraging their children to explore their emotions freely. This contrasts with a slightly more structured and directive approach that’s often associated with older Millennial parents.

Gen Z has grown up with the rise of social media and increased awareness of mental health issues, and so these parents place a strong emphasis on emotional intelligence and communication. As a result, we expect that they will actively create spaces for their children to express their emotions and develop coping mechanisms for the challenges they might face. 

Gen Z parents (40%) are more likely than older Millennial parents (32%) to say they always consider their child’s preferences when they make plans for the family. Their children are more often viewed as little people to be understood and guided, rather than ‘blank slates’ to be prescribed and directed. 

As parents, they are likely to integrate more holistic and balanced approaches to family life, ensuring that their children not only have the tools to express their emotions, but also understand the importance of maintaining overall well-being. This could involve more family activities, shared responsibilities or a focus on creating a nurturing home environment.

3. Acknowledging technology as a double-edged sword

Technology plays a dual role in modern-day parenting. On one hand, we have seen parents—notably Millennial parents—leverage it as a tool for education, connection and entertainment, integrating it seamlessly into their children’s lives from a young age. 

On the other hand, there is also a cautious awareness of the potential pitfalls of technology, prompting parents to balance screen time with outdoor activities and interpersonal interactions.

When reflecting on the context that shaped Millennials, we’d do well to note that they were the first generation to fully experience social media as parents—right when many Millennials became parents, social media began to explode, whereas social media has impacted Gen Z differently because they used it throughout their formative years. 

Now that we’ve had social media for a decade and a half (basically all of Gen Alpha’s life span so far), we know more about it. While many Millennial parents used social media to document their children’s lives, Gen Z parents know more about both the benefits and challenges that come with social media use from a young age. 

They’re more likely to strongly agree that limiting their child’s screen time is a high priority for them (36% of Gen Z parents, compared to 30% of older Millennial parents). As the most technologically savvy generation thus far, Gen Z parents see the benefits of technology and screen time, but they also see the downsides and are pushing back on usage and the age at which their children can access and engage with it. 

Prognosticating Generation Beta

As we prepare to welcome Generation Beta, understanding the evolving parenting landscape of Millennials and Gen Z provides a valuable glimpse into the future. Gen Z parents are well-positioned to raise children who are empathetic, holistic and have a well-rounded understanding of the global and diverse society they live in. 

While the specific traits of Generation Beta remain speculative, the influence of their parents’ values, behaviors and attitudes promises to be profound and transformative.

The times, technological advances and social events that we live through shape us all, but are more defining for those experiencing them in their formative years. As Gen 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 as they gain autonomy and influence.

We anticipate that Gen Beta will be an adaptable, tech-savvy and socially conscious cohort, equipped with strong emotional resilience and a deep-seated value for individuality. Betas may navigate a world where rapid technological advancements and global connectivity are the norm, guided by parents who prioritize adaptability and emotional well-being.

Ashley Fell is director of advisory at McCrindle, a social research agency that tracks and researches generational trends. For more information, visit mccrindle.com. 

This story originally appeared in Kidscreen‘s Q3 2024 magazine issue.