Is Generation Alpha More Disrespectful or Just Misunderstood?

There's a perception that Gen Alpha kids are more rude and outspoke than previous generations.

If you were to ask my parents, they would say the eye-rolling, stubbornness, and back talk I endure from my Gen Alpha daughter is “karma.” I slammed my door with gusto when things didn’t go my way. I had no issue snapping at my mom in a department store dressing room if she dared to comment on my style. And I could roll my eyes so far back into my head that it’s amazing they didn’t get stuck there.

But I would never dare challenge a teacher or have the chutzpah to stand up to any adults who were not my parents—even if I staunchly disagreed with their viewpoints. That's the difference with Gen Alpha, not afraid to speak their mind.

I think about it a lot because my daughter’s defiance (and that of her Gen Alpha peers) feels different. Of course, they are all pre-pubescent—that hasn’t changed. Yes, they can present as disrespectful, or perhaps entitled. We’ve even dubbed them “ honey badgers ” because they’ve come across as fearless and willing to challenge the status quo. But is that tenacity born out of disrespect—or is it something deeper?

Generation Misinterpreted

According to Catherine Nobile, PsyD , the Founder and Director of Nobile Psychology, the perception that Gen Alpha is more disrespectful than previous generations might be a product of changing social dynamics rather than a generational trait.

“In contrast with preceding generations, Gen Alpha has grown up in a time when global issues are highly visible, multiple viewpoints are frequently aired, and digital tools allow them to express opinions from an early age,” Dr. Nobile explains. “All these factors could make them appear more difficult or challenging to authority than their parents would want them to be when what they’re doing is a sign that they’re comfortable questioning conventional practices and asserting their opinions.”

Yes, it’s common that older generations look at younger ones with skepticism and head-scratching. That is especially true when Gen Alpha’s boldness, independence, and outspokenness is seen as “disrespectful” by some of the older generations (Gen X, Baby Boomers) who were raised with more conservative ideas about respecting authority and obeying rules.

“Many of Gen Alpha’s traits, however, are born from the environment in which they’re growing up—a world that embraces self-expression, celebrates emotional intelligence, and questions convention,” says Dr. Nobile. “One of the most important differences is that, unlike previous generations, Gen Alpha will be more likely to confront authority than to accept it. Where previous generations might have been inclined to say: ‘Yes, Sir,’ ‘Yes, Ma’am,’ ‘OK,’ or ‘Whatever,’ Gen Alpha is more likely to ask: 'Why can’t you explain that to me?’ ‘No, I’m not going to do that. I’m going to do it this way.’”

As a result, when they say, ‘No,’ it might be seen as disrespect when it’s really an expression of their desire to engage with the world more meaningfully.

Generation Tech

We can’t forget that the access to technology Gen Alpha has from smartphones to tablets to internet use as part of their school curriculum is unprecedented. So, of course, that shapes their behavior; Gen Alpha kids are true digital natives.

“They’ve had access to more information and diverse perspectives from a young age, which has fostered a sense of independence and a strong voice,” says Kelly Oriard , a Licensed Family Therapist, Co-Founder and Chief Therapeutic Officer at Slumberkins, and co-author of All Feelings Welcome: Parenting Practices for Raising Caring, Confident and Resilient Kids . “While this can sometimes be seen as challenging authority, it’s also a sign of their developing self-confidence and critical thinking—qualities we should nurture.”

Dr. Nobile agrees, reminding parents that Generation Alpha has had more access to information and communication from an earlier age than any previous generation.

“This has made them more exposed to ideas and global issues in ways that might make them more socially aware and more willing to assert their opinions,” says Dr. Nobile. “This outspokenness can be mistaken for a lack of respect for traditional values or authority.”

And let us not forget, their creative use of the English language (or rather their own language)— i.e. slang —is mostly born from social media .

"The secret is to help Gen Alpha develop the balance between assertiveness and being assertive, between being strong and being tough, between confidence and being a bully, and between self-esteem and arrogance."

Catherine Nobile, PsyD

What Parents—and Educators—Need to Know

Gen Alpha’s boldness and assertiveness can become values to be appreciated and encouraged as long as they are cultivated in ways that promote respect, empathy, and responsibility.

“The secret is to help Gen Alpha develop the balance between assertiveness and being assertive, between being strong and being tough, between confidence and being a bully, and between self-esteem and arrogance,” says Dr. Nobile. “Parents and educators need to teach them to speak with confidence, but also to listen to others and to see things through the eyes of others.”

This can help to prevent Gen Alpha’s strength of character turn into a strength of will, which might lead to a sense of entitlement and even arrogance.

Parents and educators can also support these traits by modeling respectful communication, reinforcing the value of collaboration, and teaching children that self-confidence doesn’t mean being insensitive to others’ opinions or feelings.

“By shaping both self-assurance and empathy, we stand to raise Gen Alpha into adults who know how to assert their own needs and goals and recognize the value of respect and cooperation in achieving shared goals,” says Dr. Nobile.

Oriard wants parents to remember that every generation, including Gen Alpha, comes with its own set of strengths and challenges.

“To us, It’s not about whether they’re more or less respectful; it’s about understanding the world they’re growing up in and helping them develop into the best versions of themselves,” she explains.

For more Parents news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on Parents .