
PARENTING GENERATION BETA BABIES
2025 welcome a new generation of babies coined as Generation Beta which followed Generation Alpha who were born between 2010 to 2024.
This new generation is expected to run till 2039. This term for the new generation as named by McCrindle (an Australian-based research firm McCrindle, which provides generational analysis and demographics services) is characterized by the use of Artificial Intelligence and Automation and as such will likely be “the first generation to experience autonomous transportation at scale, wearable health technologies, and immersive virtual environments as standard aspects of daily life. Born into a world of always-on technology, they will navigate friendships, education, and careers in an era where digital interaction is the default” (cf. McCrindle).
Considering this sociological reality, how will parents raise their children in this highly technologically advance and borderless world? Here are some tips I am suggesting, Let’s go back to basics — A, B, C …
A-PPRECIATE family values. Our technologically borderless world will definitely open our children to various cultures in the world. Well, there is nothing wrong in being culturally aware because it helps us in the manner to which we could deal with people but awareness is one thing but being influenced by such cultural exposure is another thing. The Protection our own local cultural values, beliefs and practices is crucial to our identity as Filipinos. Moreover, the own family values and traditions we want our children to inculcate is also another consideration. Other facets of Filipino culture such as linguistic, music, art, gastronomy, clothing styles, religious rites, festivals and ceremonies should likewise be protected in this generation’s highly technological exposure. The preservation of these cultural practices is largely dependent on their transmission from parents or grandparents to younger generations through positive reinforcement within the home environment.
Amiel Pineda shares that such reinforcement can be done through: (a) Storytelling – Oral stories or folk tales are used to teach important lessons about morality and respect for others; (b) Celebrations – Special occasions like birthdays, weddings and religious holidays provide an opportunity for family members to come together and share their culture through music, dance and food; (c) Education – Schools play a vital role in teaching children about their history and inspiring them to be proud of their cultural identity; and (d) Role Modeling – Parents act as role models who demonstrate the importance of following traditional customs while also demonstrating how they can be adapted for modern life.
B-OUNDARIES should be established. Like a double-edged sword, technology can either enhance or dilute the cultural experience of our children. Technology can offer heightened access and more resourceful ways of learning about Filipino culture but some contend that certain aspects of Filipino culture may become lost or debilitated due to over-exposure through these digital channels. The effortlessness with which information is shared online could lead to a waning of ties between family members who no longer rely on face-to-face contact as they did before. The prioritization of computer-generated acquaintances means less time spent partaking in family and communal events where cultural practices are celebrated together in person. This lack of direct engagement with our local and ancestral heritage by this new beta generation could impend its permanence moving forward.
Cyberspace encompasses a wealth of information and resources, and it doesn’t have to be damaging. Restrictions and boundaries can diminish the chances that your child might encounter hostile experiences online. Parent modeling can be a powerful influence. Your child may be more inclined to respect internet boundaries if they see you set the same limits for yourself. Here are some boundaries you may want to consider: (a) rules that apply to adults too; (b) online privacy rule; (c) time limits; (d) family unplugged time; (e) screen cut-off time; (f) homework first rule; and (g) parental supervision. Other options for whole family technology rules may include: (a) limits to personal information sharing; (b) no posting photos or stories using names without consent from those family members; (c) evening screen cut-off time limits; (d) scheduled family unplugged time; (e) no technology during family meals; and (f) no cellphones during family events (cf. PsychCental).
C-RITICAL analysis of information. Generation Beta babies will unquestionably be saturated by social media in every corner of our lives; it’s crucial to prepare their young minds with the tools to circumnavigate the vast data landscape. Technological and Social Media literacy is the skill that allows us to scrutinize and thoughtfully engage with social media content critically. By fostering these skills in children, we help them appreciate the content they consume and the intent behind it. Social media literateness lays the foundation for developing critical thinking skills that they will need to differentiate fact from fiction in a hastily developing cyberspace world.
Developing critical discerning and analysis entails questioning the purpose of a media message, the credibility of the source, and the techniques used to attract and persuade the audience. It also involves examining how different audiences might interpret the message. Michelle Connolly, founder of LearningMole, asserts, “Media literacy is not just about comprehending media messages but also about questioning them and understanding their impact.” Within this framework, a child will learn to identify bias, discover underlying messages, and consider the ethical dimensions of social media production and consumption. Understanding the fundamentals of social media literacy prepares a child to navigate the multifaceted media landscape with self-confidence and judgment.
To conclude allow me to quote Pope Francis, “The relationship between parents and children, which the prophets often refer to in order to speak of the relationship of covenant between God and his people, has become unnatural here. Parents’ educational goals aim at helping [their children] grow in freedom, at making them responsible, capable of performing good deeds for themselves and for others. Instead, because of sin, freedom becomes the pretense of autonomy, a claim of pride, and pride leads to opposition and the illusion of self-sufficiency.”
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For any personal comments or suggestions you may call 0917-4805585 or email me at [email protected].