Age Group Of Generation Z

There are several traits that are common when it comes to specific generations. The generation Z is the latest
generation who were born after 1994 and before 2004. Many of them are in their early teens and differ from the
earlier generation in many ways. This particular generation is still in a stage of evolution and they are yet to learn
several things in life.

As per research this generation can be an active set of consumers. Being born during the time of consumer
access to almost all the best things one could get. They have access to almost everything
such as communication tools, internet cell phones, MP3 players, Ipods, and all the current gadgets. They are the
children of the modern world and are also called the digital generation. They also are growing up in a world of
equality and they believe men and women are equals.
market boom they have

Since they are leading much more structured lives than any of their ancestors, they can be responsible adults
and also with high social values. This generation has embraced technology and also they are highly dependent on it.
They are more inclined to the virtual world and are less likely to take to extreme measures like terrorism. If
generation Z is molded properly, they can achieve a lot more than their earlier generations using the digital media.
However, on the other hand they may be poor with interpersonal skills and, in addition, they may not give too much
importance to family values. They are very individualistic in their characteristics.
Generation

Z Behaviour Change

Generation Z is the latest generation which will be leading the world in a couple of decades from now. Is the
generation responsible enough is a big question and are they being prepared in the right way for days to come? The
current recession and financial strife has no bearing in shaping the future of the generation Z and they do not feel it
either.

Beyond 2020, there could be drastic changes in work culture, ethics and even values that will be set forth by
the generation Z. The generation Z is not good listeners and they severely lack interpersonal skills. They use the
World Wide Web mostly for communication and keeping touch. So when it comes to work, in future they may
barely be seen in an office communicating with their colleagues but might live their life in the virtual world.
They are less oriented than the generation Y but have strong opinions and do not take suggestions well.
are noticing a drastic behavior change from generation Y to Generation Z. For the generation Y, the
emphasis has always been career and studies whereas the generation Z does not believe in career and formal studies
either. Their personal lives can lack communication and this lack of communication may not be very effective for
bringing up future generations by them. Also by the time the Generation Z starts working there might be severe
shortage of professionals like doctors and scientists. Also, such professions may not hold any value for the
generation Z.
Psychologists

Generation

Z Characteristics

The characteristics and qualities of the generation Z has to be completely set apart from the others and they
are the newest generation in their own category. Generation Z are people who were born after the 1990 and by then
technology was ruling the world. The generation Z is also called the silent generation, iGeneration, generation quiet
and net generation. They have several other names based on their qualities.

Today,

the generation Z makes up for nearly 18 percent of the worlds population. Here are some classic
qualities that the generation Z exhibits.
For generation Z, computer technologies and the Internet is the common place. All their communication takes
place on the internet and they show very little verbal communication skills. Most of their formative years are being
spent on the World Wide Web. They are used to instant action and satisfaction due to internet technology.

They are very impatient as they desire instant results. The Internet is there and they take it for granted. They
do not consider it to be the greatest tool for mankind as it has always been there for them. Their means of
communication is mainly through online communities like Orkut, Google, and Face Book. They do not believe in
personally meeting their friends and developing relationships. They are capable of making huge communities and
have massive collaborations using the Internet without knowing anyone personally. They may not do very well in
areas of public speaking and regard privacy to the core. They may consider living with others as intrusion of space.
Generation Z Demographics

The generation Z lives in the virtual world and they can reach out to any place through the internet. They are
less likely to travel and step out of their homes for anything. They lack severely in the areas of expression, verbal
communication, confidence and interpersonal skills. For these reasons, they may not gel very well with the
generation Y, who are exactly the opposite.

Today nearly 18 percent of the worlds population is of generation Z kids. For Generation Z, internet is their
birth right and they do not believe in commuting to work place or even for running their daily lives. They can get
everything to the place they live. Today most of the ids have at least two gadgets like cell phone or an Ipod and
they cannot live without these.

They are very individualistic in their character and believe to have their own persona. Generation Z does not
believe in getting agreement or living according to social norms. Their society exists on the internet where they
speak their mind out and express their opinions.
Generation Z being bad listeners have less regard for what others have to say and they do not pay attention to
others. This may work against them when they get married and set up their own families. Education and work plays
a minimal role in their lives ad they do not see education as a means of survival. They regard intelligence and
knowledge about technology more. Being born during the digital boom they adapt to technology like no other
generation.
Generation Z demographics show that they are mostly teenagers as this generation was born after 1994.

Practical Tips for Generation Y and Generation Z Teachers

Build into your philosophical thinking and actions the key needs of Generation Y and Generation Z students. They want to
Feel cared for (loved)
Feel valued
Feel that their lives have meaning and purpose
When interacting with students, ask yourself: How is my behaviour meeting my students' key needs?
Some helpful tips to promote the spirit of mentoring when teachers interact with Generation Y and Generation Z students:

Ensure your students feel safe and secure at all times.

Be a Seed Sower: every word, action, facial expression will be interpreted in a positive or negative manner by your
perceptive students.

Have a fair and consistent approach to discipline and students will respect you.

Be an effective, non-judgmental listener, always respectful, empathetic and genuine. Say, Please! and Thank you!

Be pro-active and discourage potentially life-threatening behaviour.

Never humiliate a student in public.

Be patient -students are in different spaces because of their personal circumstances.

Watch body language and learn to look behind the outward appearances as well.

Keep a sense of humour and willingly laugh at yourself.

Keep an open mind and be flexible.

Negotiate boundaries or a code of conduct with the students you teach or coach.

Avoid making assumptions - get the factual details!

Talk to your students about goal getting and management of time - sometimes goal getting becomes a positive way to
connect with students. Don't have unrealistic expectations. Focus on your students' performances, not just the
outcomes

Take a pride in your appearance - be well organised, efficient and reliable.

Have an open door policy ie, be approachable if students want to speak to you out of class time.

Mix up the marking pens - symbolism of red to most students? - and look to write a corrective and affirming comment
each time you return students' work

Always respect cultural values eg, eye contact; when/when not to praise students in public etc.

Be aware of what your students are achieving in extracurricular activities or other academic disciplines and then
affirm them.

Return written and project work promptly.

Catch students doing good things and affirm them: in the school corridors, on the sportsfield, in cultural or
music groups etc.

If you are meeting a student face-to-face, move from behind your desk and sit alongside them - this creates
a more informal atmosphere

Look at ways of involving parents/caregivers as much as possible eg, parent evenings; cultural activities;
sport etc. Maybe even phone a parent to pass on a compliment about something positive their child has
done from time to time or send an SMS.

Use school outings as a time to positively interact with your students ie, travelling to and from events. The
less formal, structured times are great opportunities for positive interaction with your students.

If the situation of a student warrants it, look to involve other agencies etc. in the student's life, preferably
with his or her permission ie, build a web of support around the student, preferably with the help of
colleagues.

Encourage your students to evaluate your teaching or coaching - this shows them that they are valued.

Take the 'but' out of your sentences as much as possible.

If you have your own teaching area, purchase some motivational posters, fun posters, meaningful and
encouraging quotes - these becomes valuable food for the soul of a bored student and are also a reflection
of your values and beliefs!

When meeting a class or group of students for the first time, give them a non-threatening survey eg,
favourite food; favourite subject; sports; hobbies/interests; favourite CD/DVD/TV Programme; pets?;
someone they look up to and admire and why and so on.

Create your own certificates, methods to affirm students who are making good progress (including the
weaker students). As long as you are genuine when you award them, they will respond positively.

Encourage all your students to participate in class discussions. By being sensitive and sympathetic, often
during the early stages of teaching a new class, you can ask weaker students to respond to questions they
are likely to be able to answer, challenge the brighter students - thus all feel more competent, courageous
and capable, contributing to the development of high self-esteem.

When you take a class for the first time, consider seating them in alphabetical order initially (unless a
student has special needs eg, eye problems, hearing difficulties etc.). Tell them that this is a way you find
helpful to get to know their names. It sorts out negative peer groups. After a while, let them move around
and observe the group dynamics.

Encourage cooperative learning - students work in groups and are marked according to their group
outcome. Plenty of seeds of mentoring can be sown during such activities.

Students enjoy group work - vary your teaching methods to cater for this.

Ask students to help you with chores eg, carrying books, running errands etc. ; shows them they are
valued.

Use class situations to teach life skills eg, resolving conflicts, improving communication skills, problemsolving, anger management and so on.

Students enjoy being called by their first names. Pronounce them correctly.

Think about targeting your most difficult and challenging student and, through adopting some of the
methods above, consider how you can assist the student to reach his or her potential - a wonderful goal
setting task!

At all times remember that you are the adult in the relationship. Be a positive and effective role model.

"Attitude will determine the Altitude at which I?ll travel when I am with my students!"

Key Skills and attributes of a Generations Y and Z Teacher-Mentor

The effective Teacher-Mentor is someone students believe in, respect and honor. Honorable Teacher-Mentors are
regarded by students as honest, upright, sincere, loyal and genuine; have high credibility, are reliable and true to
what they believe is right and are prepared to accept and acknowledge personal responsibility for their actions. In
the C21 such teachers are going to be sought after by Generation Y and Generation Z students looking for role
models and people, outside of the immediate family, to inspire and encourage them. Where students cross paths
with such Teacher-Mentors:

they comply with the Teacher-Mentors' wishes because they want what the Teacher-Mentors want.

they believe in the credibility of the Teacher-Mentors as Teacher-Mentors put across the message of
believing in their students.

they willingly and wholeheartedly give themselves to what the Teacher-Mentors asks of them.

the Teacher-Mentors have power with others, not over them.

Teacher-Mentors appreciate that students always have a choice as to how they respond to situations, issues etc.,
even if that choice might be limited by personal circumstances. Some of the key skills and attributes of TeacherMentors, therefore, will include:

Honesty

Good communication skills: the ability to listen, understand, reflect, clarify, validate, encourage, question,
give constructive feedback

Goal setting and achieving using a straightforward action plan

A clearly defined set of values

A sincere interest in the well-being of the student

The ability to motivate and inspire

The desire to make a difference

Patience

Sound management of time skills

Being approachable, flexible and open-minded

Teamwork

Empathy

Respect (self-respect and respect for others)

Knows personal limitations

The ability to always see the bigger picture

Fair

Objective

Well organized

Creative and innovative

Tolerant

A sense of humour

Non-judgmental

http://www.yess.co.nz/SkillsandAttributesofGenerationsYandZ.html

30 Tips for the Adolescent Journey

I have been spending time reflecting on the interactions I have been having with young people in recent
months. Thoughts and ideas spring to mind. As adolescents journey to adulthood, here are 30 tips which
will assist them to become the best they can be come to think of it, they should probably be called 30
Tips for the Best Life, as they can probably be adapted to the lives of adults as well.
Attitude never ever forget that you choose your attitude and how you respond to all that life throws at
you. Live in hope and work hard at taking a positive, constructive attitude into everything you do and into
all your meaningful relationships.

Ask never stop asking questions no matter how trivial you might think they are. When others share their
stories with you, you will gain knowledge which could significantly impact your life decisions.
Apologise no-one is perfect. When you make a mistake, say the wrong thing, forget to do something
you promised to do whatever it might be, front up and be genuinely sorry.
Celebrate celebrate the small and large victories; the times you achieve a relatively simple goal or
achieve a long-term, major goal or when you successfully make it through a tough challenge. Never lose
your sense of humour. Laugh often. Have fun.
Communicate work consistently hard at developing and improving your communication skills.
Become a brilliant listener, a motivator, encourager and inspiration to others. Develop a positive
vocabulary, watch your body language and radiate care, compassion and unconditional love towards
others. Show empathy, be genuine and respectful and people will value your contributions to their lives.
Conflict conflict is part of life. Learn to how turn conflict into a positive learning and growth
experience. Deal with it without violating anothers rights and dont run away from it. Develop mediation
skills. Become a healer where there is tension, pain, misunderstanding and suffering. Peacemakers are
desperately needed!
Failure dont fear failure. Move out of your comfort zone if the challenge is not life-threatening. Life
lessons are learnt when you give something a go. The key is to learn from the experience.
Finish well whatever you do, give it your best shot until you finish, even if this is simply completing
something only you know about. Whatever you start, even when you decide its not something you wish
to pursue, finish well. Those who finish well find more windows of opportunities opening and they will
soar on eagles wings.
Goal-getting be a goal getter. Experiment with different methods of reaching your goal/s until you find
the best method for you. Draw up a clear action plan and take small steps initially. Research suggests that
those who set goals achieve much.
Humility stay grounded so you do not allow your achievements to go to your head. Be proud of all you
achieve, always remaining humble.
Integrity and Forgiveness be a person of integrity, someone who keeps their word and who others can
trust and depend on. Be respectful of yourself and others. Be quick to sincerely forgive those who wrong
you, even when you battle to forget.
Learning never ever stop learning and acquiring knowledge. Knowledge feeds the soul and helps you
to become an effective change-agent in your local and wider community. Research, read widely, consult
others and explore the works, ideas and opinions of others.
Listen always listen to the opinions and ideas of others. Older people have more life experiences and
their stories can assist your personal growth. They also were adolescents. Through listening, you have the
opportunity to discern information you would like to use and store or discard.
Mirror Talk love the person you see in the mirror each day. Remember you are unique and special and
no-one else has your specific gifts and talents. Its a fact never forget that. Ignore those who tell you
otherwise.
Money avoid making money your God. It wont and never can be. While its wonderful to have
sufficient money to feed, clothe, house and educate ourselves, later to raise a family in a safe and secure
environment, money will not buy you happiness, nor will owning the biggest and best TV, mobile phone,

ipod etc. Seriously consider how you can contribute financially to end global poverty and, as you do so,
its likely you will be making a positive contribution towards climate change issues as well.
Opportunities engrave into your Being that every obstacle can be turned into an opportunity if you are
prepared to think creatively, seek the guidance and wisdom of others and have the patience to work
towards something, rather than expect a quick-fix solution or instant gratification.
Passion/s identify your passion or passions. If you could do anything you wanted today and had all the
qualifications you needed, what would you choose to do? Thats your passion do something with it!
Chase it!
Persevere dont quit! Go the extra mile even if you have to sweat a little, make some sacrifices (of
social life) or commit yourself to something for a little longer. You will amaze yourself at what can be
achieved when you do this.
Positive Peers when you surround yourself with positive peers you will have a greater chance of
becoming the best you can be. Positive peers know right from wrong always choose your friends
carefully and let trust develop over time.
Reflect take time out each day to think about how you are doing, what you are doing, why you are
doing it and what lessons can be learnt. Pray, meditate and be still for a few minutes each day.
Relationships keep building your relationships and networks with peers, family, other adults (teachers,
coaches etc.), employers and, most important, with God thats a challenge, but the soul needs to be
nurtured. The world is slowly coming to appreciate that the story of the life, death and resurrection of
Jesus is historically proven. Not sure? With an open mind, check out the details yourself. To be loved
unconditionally is an amazing experience and its something every honest human being desires.
Self-discipline build a disciplined lifestyle into all you do eg, 9 hours sleep a night (dont make excuses
about that!); a balanced lifestyle (at least 30 minutes of exercise every second day); manage your time
well (time to work, time to study, time to eat, time to socialise and relax, time to exercise, time to follow
an interest or hobby, time to sleep); say no to drugs and alcohol abuse (so you dont damage your brain
during crucial developmental times), cigarettes and inappropriate sexual behaviour.
Service give of yourself to others expecting nothing in return. Get involved in outreach programs.
Through reaching out to others, you will discover many more positive qualities about yourself.
Sometimes a friendly smile directed at a stranger or a peer can change their day. The world needs servant
leaders become one.
Share share your ideals, passions and goals with at least one adult you trust and respect, in addition to
your parent/s (optional). This is the person who can guide and encourage you non-judgmentally towards
achieving your dreams. This experience teaches you how to be vulnerable with others in a safe and secure
environment, a necessary life skill.
Stay focused keep your eyes on your personal photograph at all times (see Visualisation below). That
will get you through the tough and challenging times. There are no quick-fix, easy solutions. Success
takes consistently hard work, careful planning and perseverance.
Take ownership write down in the Present tense ie, as if you were achieving your goal/s today, how
you are feeling eg, I feel because " Take ownership of your picture.
Teamwork always seek to be a team player, a sure way to develop positive peer relationships, have role
models in your life, be an encouragement to others, turn obstacles into opportunities and reach out to
those in need.

Thanks always express your genuine thanks to all who share their gold nuggets of wisdom and
experience with you or offer you a helping hand.
Visualise create an imaginary photo (or a real one!) of yourself achieving whatever it is you would like
to achieve ie, as though you have already achieved it. Note your body language, your facial expression,
your positive thoughts never let go of it.
..........
Generation Y and Z have grown up not knowing a world without the Internet. For them, everything is readily
available at their fingertips. They have instant food, instant information and they want instant answers and
success. They don't believe in downtime nor do they believe in wasting time.
These are the two generations that parents today find themselves raising. Generally, Generation Y includes
those born from 1981-1994; while Generation Z includes those born from 1995 till 2009.
Parenting Generation Y and Z proves to be challenging for Baby Boomers (those born from 1946-1964) and
Generation X (those born from 1965-1980) who often find themselves unable to keep up with their children.
With that in mind, parents and authors Jamilah Samian and her husband Ahmad Fakhri Hamzah have written
a book called The Groovy Guide to Parenting Gen Y and Z.
Jamilah and Ahmad have six children four Gen Y's and two Gen Z's.
In addition, they have interviewed many parents, teenagers and children on this subject and both Jamilah and
Ahmad have been involved in training parents (in seminars) and youths (leadership and public speaking
workshops) since 2006.
It was at these seminars that parents kept asking them how to raise Gen Y and Z. This led to the couple
authoring this book.
We realise that there is a gap between current theories and action. In short, how do you translate those
theories you read about raising kids who eat, sleep and breathe the Internet into action? Everyone knows
they are different; they speak a different language, they have their noses buried in the Internet all the time.
This book is full of ideas, 123 to be exact, for what kind of specific actions you can take to raise them,
explains Jamilah.
According to her, the parenting style today cannot be the same as the one used by our parents to raise us.
This is because the world has changed greatly since then. While we grew up watching our fathers leave
home to go to work each morning, Gen Y and Z know there are options. There is flexi-hour work, freelancing,
part-time work and working from home. They know that they have choices.
As for school, while most of us went to government schools, today's children have a host of options
government, private, international and even home schooling.
Explains Ahmad:
They live in an environment where they have a lot of options, where flexibility is acceptable and they thrive
on technology. They live in an environment where information is easily available and they know that no one

knows everything.
As parents, understanding the environment that they are in and being able to adopt and adapt makes us
much better sounding boards for them as they grow.
They appreciate you more if you can explain to them your viewpoint rather than just be authoritative.
The reason why there is a tendency to follow our parents' parenting style is because our parents
experimented on us, we turned out fine therefore it must be the right thing to do.
But do not forget that the outside world also influences our children. That element is something you cannot
ignore.
Jamilah and Ahmad outline some common challenges and solutions to parenting Gen Y and Z:
Multitasking / lack of focus / short attention span
Multitasking works for certain low-level tasks such as chatting while having a sip of water and browsing the
morning newspaper. However, research has proven that multitasking lowers the quality of work we produce
for high-level activities. This is why Gen Y and Z children need to be trained to focus on one task at a time for
certain activities.
Instant gratification
Gen Y and Z are known for wanting everything NOW! Research proves that kids who are not able to wait for
gratification are less likely to succeed in life. The antidote for Instant Gratification is Delayed Gratification.
Parents need to train their children about delayed gratification when you wait for something and work hard
to achieve it, the reward is all that much more fulfilling.
Self-entitlement
A positive sense of entitlement pushes your Gen Y or Z to be more assertive. This is the kind of attitude that
makes him ask questions in class or at the doctors or the restaurant because he feels entitled to an
explanation from the teacher, doctor or waiter. However, if your child feels that you owe him a living or a
reward for every task he does, that's when the line has been crossed. Then, it is time to work on your child's
lack of gratitude, humility and inflated sense of self-esteem.
Unrealistic view of their comfortable lives
Gen Y and Z seem to see their parents as a safety net since most of their parents seem to live comfortable
lives. Instead of becoming more self-reliant, they depend on their parents to feed and clothe them although
they are already employed. As a parent, regardless of how much you are earning, youll have to decide
whether you want your Gen Y to become more or less self-reliant. The sooner you train them to become selfreliant, the better it is for their self-worth. At times, this may mean tough love, saying NO as and when
needed, with a clear purpose of raising them to become self-reliant.
Balance of need and deserve
Jamilah does not believe parents today are spoiling their Gen Y and Z children. They are merely equipping
them with the tools they need to survive in today's technologically-equipped world.
Its all about balance. You give them what they need and deserve; without overdoing it. Dont make life too
easy for your kids. Regularly throw them challenges that stretches them a bit more than the usual.

Dont try too hard to please when things dont work out for your kids. Resilience is something that will do any
kid a lot of good, she says.
Jamilah and Ahmad's son recently wanted to visit his friend in South Africa. Instead of buying his flight ticket
for him and paying for his accommodation, they suggested he find a way to earn enough money for his flight
ticket. That's exactly what he did by selling chocolate chip cookies, which proved to be a hit.
Not only did their son earn enough money for the flight ticket; business was so good he has decided to
continue his cookie business!

Communication and technology

Jamilah says that getting on Facebook and other social networking sites helps communication but it doesn't
replace face-to-face interaction with her children.
Ahmad adds that it's all about communication and building the relationship.
Which communication tool is more effective? It may not be the mode of communication for all your children.
I think you need to look at it and see if it is going to help you become a better parent. If so, then why not use
it? You may find that (using these social networks) opens up communication with your children, he says.
They both agree that communication may be the most challenging aspect of parenting Gen Y and Z.
But, as Ahmad points out, communication has been a parenting challenge for all generations through the
ages.
Conclusion
With the changing environment and many more elements to deal with, parents might feel like they need to be
very involved in their children's lives. This poses another challenge, however. In monitoring and guiding the
children, there is a risk of micromanaging. There is a fine line between guiding and micromanaging and it is
so easy to cross it.
Jamilah warns parents not to cross that line as the hand-holding and micromanaging should stop when the
child starts working or is legally an adult. Parents should start letting go and allowing the child to take the lead
as they enter the teenage years.
Realising that each and every child has his or her own unique strengths, we as parents must take the
responsibility to harness that strength.
That's the power of parenting, says Ahmad.
Ultimately, the couple advises parents to engage their Gen Y and Z children.
Perform tasks with them. Get them involved. Do things together with them and let them participate. It makes
your relationship more engaging. Make it fun. They would love to be able to interact with you.
You just need to be more interactive with them as they are so easily distracted. However, once something
catches their attention they will be glued to it, he says.

Ahmad suggests giving each child a task when going on trips. Put them in charge of something and let them
be responsible. Let go and give them the responsibility of some decisions.
This is how you keep Gen Y and Z engaged.