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Ensuring the Digital Wellness Of Generation Alpha

Introduction

Generation Alpha, born between 2010 and 2025, is the latest generation of children growing up in a rapidly changing world. As they develop, we must prioritize their safe and balanced growth to prepare them for the challenges and opportunities.

From, a very young age, Gen Alpha shows strong adeptness with digital devices 57% watch YouTube for educational and entertaining videos, 33% subscribe to music streaming services for their favorite songs and artists, and 56% use video streaming sites. It allows for early technical skills development, exposure to global cultures and information, and individualized and interactive learning. However, it also brings risks if unsupervised engagement leads to excessive screen time, exposure to inappropriate content, cyberbullying, or intent addiction. Reports indicate that 61% of urban Indian kids spend 3 or more hours daily on screens for content consumption. Prolonged screens without guidance from parents and educators fail to provide balance in a child’s lifestyle.

This discussion aims to understand the challenges faced by Generation Alpha in the digital era, the solutions adopted, and stakeholders’ role in holistically empowering them. With informed discussion on the potential of this generation that can be fully realized.

The Challenges Generation is Facing

The Impact of Technology

Technology has revolutionized the way we live and communicate. However, excessive screen time and social media use can have detrimental effects on children’s mental and physical health, social skills, and academic performance.

  • 75% of children aged 8-12 years use social, media
  • 60% of children aged 8-12 spend more than 2 hours a day on screen
  • 40% of children aged 8-12 experience cyberbullying.

The Impact of Social Media

Social media has become integral to modern life, but its impact on children’s development is a growing concern. Exposure to cyberbullying, online harassment, and constant comparison to others can lead to low self-esteem: anxiety, and depression.

  • 70% of children aged 8-12 feel pressure to present a perfect online image.
  • 60% of children aged 8-12 have experienced online harassment.
  • 50% of children aged 8-12 have been cyberbullied.

The Impact of Global Events

Global events such as climate change, economic uncertainty, and political instability can have a significant impact on children’s sense of security and well-being. they may feel anxious or uncertain about their future and the world around them.

  • 80% of children aged 8-12 are concerned about climate change.
  • 70% of children aged 8-12 feel anxious about their future.
  • 60% of children aged 8-12 feel uncertain about the world around them

The Impact on Mental Health

The effects of unrestrained technology on children’s mental health and well-being are one of the major issues that arise as a result of this practice। Cyberbullying has particularly become a major issue। According to research, 28.3% of Indian adolescents are victims of cyberbullying on sites like social media, emails, texts, and chat rooms। This may cause –

  1. Depressive Symptoms and Suicidal Ideation- Cyberbullying is linked to depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation in Gen Alpha, which can lead to serious mental health issues.
  2. Lowered Self–Esteem Cyberbullying can lead to poorer self-esteem and overall well-being among Gen Alpha in India.
  3. Increased Psychological Distress – Cyberbullying is significantly correlated with increased psychological distress, which can have long-term effects on mental health.
  4. Lack of awareness -Many adults in India are unaware of how to protect themselves from cyber crimes, which can exacerbate the problem of cyberbullying and its impact on mental health.

 

 

Methods that be adopted to tackle the challenges

Government Support which we get

  1. Cyber Crime Investigation Cells – The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has a Cyber Crime Investigation Cell that deals with cyber crime assistance and support, including cyberbullying.  https://www.cbi.gov.in/
  2. Women Helpline – Women who are victims of cyberbullying can contact the Women Helpline, which provides assistance and support to women to women facing violence, including cyberbullying. The helpline can be accessed by dialing 181.
  3. Child Helpline- Children who are victims of cyberbullying can contact the Child Helpline, which provides assistance and support to children facing violence, including cyberbullying. The helpline can be accessed by dialing 1098.
  4. National Commission for Women (NCW)- The NCW is a statutory body that works towards protecting and promoting women’s rights. Victims of cyberbullying can contact NCW for assistance and support. The NCW can be contacted on here toll-free number 1800-22-4000
  5. Cyber Swachhta Kendra: Cyber Swachhta Kendra is an initiative of the Indian government to create a secure cyberspace by detecting and cleaning malware from infected systems. Victims of cyberbullying can report cyber incidents on the Cyber Swachhta Kendra website, https://www.cyberswachhtakendra.gov.in/.

Safety Features and Tips

Privacy Settings

  1. Regular Review and Adjustment: Social media platforms frequently update their privacy settings and policies. Regularly reviewing and adjusting your settings ensures that you maintain control over who can see your information and posts. Check settings for profile visibility, post visibility, and who can send you friend requests or direct messages. Be aware that some platforms have granular controls, allowing you to set different levels of privacy for different types of information (e.g., photos, contact information, activity status).
  2. Customizable Privacy Options: Utilize customizable privacy options to create friend lists or groups with specific privacy settings. For example, you can share posts only with close friends or family, excluding acquaintances and public viewers.
  3. Limiting Data Sharing: Be cautious about linking your social media accounts with other apps or services. These connections can increase the risk of data breaches. Disable unnecessary data-sharing permissions and periodically review connected apps.

 Two-factor authentication (2FA)

  1. Types of 2FA: There are various forms of 2FA, including SMS-based codes, authenticator apps (e.g., Google Authenticator, Authy), hardware tokens (e.g., YubiKey), and biometric methods (e.g., fingerprint, facial recognition). Authenticator apps and hardware tokens are generally more secure than SMS-based codes, which can be vulnerable to SIM-swapping attacks.
  2. Setup and Backup: When setting up 2FA, ensure you also configure backup options, such as backup codes or secondary authentication methods, in case you lose access to your primary 2FA device.
  3. Awareness of Phishing Attempts: Be cautious of phishing attempts that may trick you into revealing your 2FA codes. Always verify the authenticity of the site or service requesting your code.

Strong Passwords

  1. Password Complexity: Use passwords that combine upper and lower-case letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid common phrases, easily guessable information (e.g., birthdays, pet names), and patterns.
  2. Password Management Tools: Consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords. Password managers can help you use unique passwords for each account without having to remember them all.
  3. Regular Updates: Update your passwords regularly, especially after any security breach or suspicious activity. Avoid reusing passwords across multiple accounts.

Awareness of Geotagging

  1. Location Sharing Settings: Check the default settings for location sharing on your social media accounts. Some platforms may enable location sharing by default for posts or photos. Disable geotagging unless necessary.
  2. Manual Removal of Geotags: Even if you disable location sharing, some devices embed geotags in photo metadata. Use photo editing tools to remove geotag information before uploading images.
  3. Selective Sharing: If you need to share your location (e.g., during travel), consider sharing it with a limited audience and only when necessary. Avoid sharing your location in real time.

Conclusion

While technology integration provides Generation Alpha abundant opportunities for learning and development, its unbridled use also poses risks that require addressing. As seen, unrestrained screen time and cyberbullying negatively impact children’s mental health and well-being. Parents, schools, and communities play an important role in guiding Gen Alpha toward a balanced lifestyle away from excessive digital dependence. Open communication, awareness about online safety, monitoring through parental apps, and seeking help from government initiatives are some measures that can help mitigate challenges

Overall, if conscious efforts are made to maximize technology’s benefits judiciously while minimizing potential harms, Generation Alpha’s inherent skills of diversity, social awareness, and adaptability will serve them well. Their energy and optimism indicate they are poised to drive positive change. With guidance and support, this generation can surely develop into responsible global citizens and leaders who will build a sustainable future.

Citations:

  1.  https://jurnal.iain-bone.ac.id/index.php/palakka/article/download/2302/1053
  2.  https://jurnal.iain-bone.ac.id/index.php/palakka/article/view/2302/1053
  3. https://www.thedigitalspeaker.com/ensure-digital-literacy-amongst-gen-alpha/
  4. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/372724976_The_Growing_Threat_of_Cyberbullying_in_India https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10461578/
  5.  https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/fd52/67cda92449705474845254dd7ffdc96f0093.pdf
  6. https://journals.indexcopernicus.com/api/file/viewByFileId/1589291