What Gen Z want us to see.

The dynamics of a particular time in history impact every generation, and Gen Z is no different. Born between 1997 and 2012, Gen Z grew up connecting to others in new ways with Wi-Fi, smartphones with cameras, and social media. It gave them an advantage as activists, putting them at the forefront of issues like climate change and social movements like Black Lives Matter.

They’ve been through two major recessions and an epidemic that put them on lockdown at a formidable age. According to a recent Pew Research study, this generation is likelier from a single-parent household. A 2022 study by The Annie E. Casey Foundation found that single-parent households comprise 30% of those living below the poverty level. As a social determinant of health (SODH), poverty has mental and physical impacts, with risks of disrupted brain devel­op­ment, lower education outcomes, maladaptive behaviors, and substance misuse, all of which affect their future well-being and employ­ment capabilities.

The Center for Generational Kinetics studied the impact of COVID-19 and found Gen Z was the hardest hit by social isolation and loneliness. Deloitte included about 23,000 participants in their 2024 comparative research with Millennials and Gen Z and found that Gen Z is more anxious and stressed, with those with disabilities ranking the highest. The Gallup and Walton Foundation conducted yearly analyses of Gen Z, and their data was posted in July, concurring with other findings highlighting an overall shift in mental health.

What is most important to see from the Gen Z studies are their strengths and resilience. The annual Deloitte and Gallup/Walton Foundation studies show improvements and optimism we don’t want to overlook.

The Gallop study found that 94% of teens said they were happy. What gives us a sense of well-being and triggers our “Happy Hormones” requires activities and energetic exchanges between people. Gen Z members are finding their own way to meaningful connections, but when they are upset, they simply want adults to listen.

Each Gen Z member has individual circumstances to consider. Data is just that—it's information. It's essential to see them as individuals and part of a generation. Adults can support them by listening and recognizing touchpoints and opportunities to connect with them within the adult's sphere of influence.

Could you be a role model or mentor for a specific career path or teach them a new skill? Small acts like these can have significant returns. They can help increase Gen Z's capabilities, support their empowerment, and mitigate social isolation, loneliness, anxiety, and stress, giving them a healthier space to create their tomorrow.

What do Toddlers and Adolescents Have In Common?

Toddlers and adolescents are at a particular developmental stage where they seek more independence. They may become defiant and lash out when oppressive rules override their need to experiment, expand, or explore. They may test boundaries. It is a normal process. It is critical to respect what your toddler or adolescent is going through and strive to understand the biological, psychological, and social components specific to them.

Educator, author, co-founder of Tinkering School, Brightworks, and inventor for Tinkering Labs, Gever Tully is a proponent of healthy boundary testing activities, many of which may cause panic in adults. However, while you want to support their individuation, you must also recognize when a toddler or adolescent is entering more dangerous territory and needs guidance. For example, when your toddler is determined to take off their floaters and go to the deep end of the pool, or your adolescent is expressing pressure from peers, that might lead to experimentation with drugs, alcohol, and sex.

THE SCIENCE BEHIND THE DEFIANCE

Some of the science behind the developmental stage involves Synaptic Pruning. The name describes the actions in the cerebellum, which reduces or prunes unused or unneeded synapses. Jill Sakai (2020) explains that over 100 billion neurons exist in a newborn’s brain. Bryan Kolb, PhD, and Robbin Gibb, PhD (2011) explain seven stages of brain development, including in layman's terms: “Cell birth,” “cell migration,” “cell differentiation,” “cell maturation,” “formation of synapses,” “cell death and synaptic pruning,” and “formation of myelin” (see Table 1). The synaptic pruning process can begin around age two and still happen until age 20 (Sakai, 2020, para. 12). Casey, B. J., Jones, R. M., Levita, L., Libby, V., Pattwell, S. S., Ruberry, E. J., Soliman, F., & Somerville, L. H. (2010) and neuroscientist, Sarah-Jayne Blakemore have referred to the process specific to adolescents as a stressful “storm” of factors convening at one time creating vulnerability to maladaptive behaviors, addiction, and mental health challenges.

BUILD SKILLS TO SUPPORT HEALTHY COPING AND BEHAVIORS

Reading and researching the biopsychosocial components involved can help you empathize and understand your toddler or teen better. Consider attending Parental Skill-Building groups and supporting your toddler or adolescent in attending Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) groups at school and learning techniques provided in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy sessions. There are many avenues to begin supporting your toddler or adolescent. The most important thing is to listen to them and respect that they are going through an integral developmental process that can be difficult for them, even though, at times, it may feel as if it is harder on you. You are welcome to contact me to help you find the support you need.