Generation Alpha Children Report Feeling Stressed, Chair of IPB University’s PKGA Highlights the Important Role of Parents
Generation Alpha children are now increasingly familiar with the term stress and some even use sensory toys like squishies to help calm themselves. This phenomenon serves as a reminder for parents to be more attuned to their children’s emotional well being and to understand the pressures they face from an early age.
Dr Yulina Eva Riany, Chair of the Center for Gender and Children’s Studies (PKGA) at IPB University, explained that children’s use of the term stress does not necessarily mean they are more vulnerable to psychological disorders than previous generations.
“Children today are growing up in a digital environment with broad access to information, so they are more frequently exposed to psychological terms through social media and their peer groups. When a child says, ‘I’m stressed’, a parent’s first response should be to listen and find out what the child is actually feeling, rather than immediately offering judgment or advice,” she explained.
According to her, stress is a natural response when someone faces certain pressures or demands. For children, these pressures can stem from academic demands, a packed schedule of activities, excessive exposure to digital media, conflicts with friends, bullying, or a lack of warm communication within the family.
“Stress should be taken seriously if it persists over a long period and begins to interfere with daily activities. Signs may include changes in sleep patterns, loss of interest in play, irritability, withdrawal, or recurring physical complaints without a clear medical cause,” said Dr Yulina.
Regarding the trend of using squishy, she noted that repetitive sensory activities can help some children calm down and divert their attention from stressful situations. However, these toys are not the sole solution for managing stress. Parents also need to ensure the product’s safety and help children develop other ways to manage their emotions.
She advised parents to help children learn to recognize and name their feelings, accept their emotions without judgment, and teach simple techniques such as breathing slowly or counting from one to ten. Children also need adequate sleep, good nutrition, and a balanced amount of playtime.
In addition, parents need to set an example in managing emotions and resolving conflicts in a healthy way. Open communication and quality time with the family can help children feel safe enough to share their problems.
“Every child responds differently to stress. Therefore, parents need to be more attuned to changes in their children’s behavior while creating a family environment that provides a sense of security, acceptance, and emotional support,” she concluded. (Lp) (IAAS/LAN)
