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Generation Alpha is made up of people born — or yet to be born — between 2010 and 2025.
They’re the first entirely 21st century generation. Their parents are Millennials, they siblings are Gen Zs and they’re the first completely digitally-native generation.
But, is Gen Alpha a psychological healthy generation? Do they have mental issues, even at such a young age? How can they get the help they need so they grow up into upstanding young adults?
Find out in my updated Gen Alpha mental health statistics, facts and trends guide for 2024.
You can use this jump link to quickly jump to the KEY STATS section.
Also, all the references and resources I used in crafting my guide are listed at the bottom of the page.
Jump here: Key Gen Alpha Mental Health Statistics, Facts and Trends for this Year| Gen Alpha Mental Health Statistics, Facts and Trends for this Year (Detailed)
Table of Contents
Key Gen Alpha Mental Health Statistics, Facts and Trends for this Year
Key Gen Alpha Mental Health Statistics, Facts and Trends for 2024
- 70% of children aged 7-12 have reported feeling lonely during the pandemic, indicating the impact of social isolation on Gen Alpha.
- Screen time among Gen Alpha children increased by 50% during the pandemic compared to pre-pandemic levels.
- Anxiety disorders affect approximately 8% of Gen Alpha children, with rates rising annually.
- About 15% of Gen Alpha children report experiencing cyberbullying, a unique challenge for this digital-native generation.
- Nearly 40% of Gen Alpha parents report concerns about their children’s social-emotional development.
- Depression diagnoses among children aged 6-12 increased by 27% between 2016-2021.
- 25% of Gen Alpha children report sleep difficulties, often linked to device usage.
- Social media exposure before age 10 is reported by 65% of Gen Alpha children. Early age social media usage is positively correlated with mental issues later in life.
- 45% of parents report their Gen Alpha children showing signs of digital addiction.
- Attention spans among Gen Alpha children have decreased by approximately 30% compared to previous generations.
- 20% of Gen Alpha children report feeling pressure from social media comparison.
- Educational stress affects about 35% of Gen Alpha students, particularly in academic-focused households.
- Physical activity levels are 30% lower in Gen Alpha compared to Millennials at the same age.
- 55% of Gen Alpha children express worry about environmental issues, contributing to eco-anxiety.
- Mental health-related emergency room visits for children aged 5-11 increased by 24% during the pandemic.
- 40% of Gen Alpha parents report seeking professional mental health support for their children.
- Virtual learning during the pandemic negatively impacted the social skills of 60% of Gen Alpha students.
- 33% of Gen Alpha children report feeling overwhelmed by information overload.
- Mindfulness and mental health apps usage among Gen Alpha increased by 80% from 2020-2023.
- 75% of schools report increased demand for mental health services for Gen Alpha students.
- More than 1 in 10 Gen Alphas have reported seriously considering suicide.
Gen Alpha Mental Health Statistics, Facts and Trends for this Year (Detailed)
How has Isolation Affected Children’s Sense of Connection During the Pandemic?
70% of children aged 7-12 have reported feeling lonely during the pandemic, indicating the impact of social isolation on Gen Alpha. Social isolation become unbearable for some children who had to seek medical assistance. Records show that mental health-related emergency room visits for children aged 5-11 increased by 24% during the pandemic.
COVID pandemic also had insomniac effect on some Gen Alpha children. 25% of Gen Alpha children reported sleep difficulties during peak COVID. Their insomnia was caused by anxiety and also by greatly increased digital device usage.
For example, screen time among Gen Alpha children increased by 50% during the pandemic compared to pre-pandemic levels. Digital devices emit blue light which is highly detrimental to regular sleep patterns.
Note: COVID pandemic also had some positive effects on Gen Alpha children’s mental health. Mindfulness and mental health apps usage among Gen Alpha increased by 80% from 2020-2023. And usage of these mental health apps has stayed strong till today.
Are Gen Alpha Children Getting Bullied Online?
Gen Alpha children are experiencing cyber bulling on a daily basis.
A recent study (which I reference in the footer of my page) showed that about 15% of Gen Alpha children report experiencing cyberbullying, and nearly 40% of Gen Alpha parents report concerns about their children’s social-emotional development.
Alpha children are also facing increased rates of depression due to cyberbullying. A recent study showed that depression diagnoses among Alpha children aged 6-12 increased by 27% between 2016-2021. And anxiety disorders followed by bouts of depression and suicidal thoughts affect approximately 8% of Gen Alpha children, with rates rising annually.
What are the Long-Term Effects of Early Social Media Exposure on Mental Health?
Early age social media exposure is heavily correlated with serious mental issues later in life.
For example, social media usage commonly leads to developing insecurities in vulnerable individuals. One study showed that 20% of Gen Alpha children report feeling pressure from social media comparison. These teenagers feel like they’re being judged for being who they are and it’s causing a lot of stress and worry.
And Gen Alpha children’s parents have stated to notice their kids behaving strangely. 45% of parents report their Gen Alpha children showing signs of digital addiction.
How can Schools Better Meet Increasing Mental Health Service Demands?
75% of schools report increased demand for mental health services for Gen Alpha students. 33% of Gen Alpha children report feeling overwhelmed by information overload. Plenty of them also suffer from poor attention spans which makes matter even worse.
A recent survey showed that attention spans among Gen Alpha children have decreased by approximately 30% compared to previous generations.
And previous generations are not exactly champions of focus and attention.
Gen Alpha Mental Health Statistics, Facts and Trends for 2024 (FAQ)
Are There any Studies on Gen Alpha Mental Health?
Research is still ongoing given most of Gen Alpha are still kids and young adults, but there are a handful of studies of Gen Alpha and their mental wellbeing.
- This study found that children’s mental health is a major concern, and some experts believe the rise in hospital referrals for mental health crises is due to the amount of time Gen Alpha spends online.
- This study found that children are struggling to focus on one screen-based activity at a time because they are used to focusing on multiple screens at once.
- NHS survey- a 2022 NHS survey found that 18% of children between the ages of seven to 16 had a probable mental health disorder.
- Springtide Research Institute- in this study scientists and psychologists asked 13-year-olds in the US about their mental health and well-being.
What are the Common Mental Health Problems Gen Alpha Children Have?
Common mental health problems that Generation Alpha children may face include:
- Anxiety– a prevalent mental health problem for children, anxiety, especially social anxiety is one of the most common mental health issues for children in Generation Alpha.
- ADHD– ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) is another common mental health problem for children in Generation Alpha. 1 in 5 Gen Alfa kids suffers from ADHD.
- Shortened attention spans– children in Generation Alpha may struggle to focus on one screen-based activity at a time.
- Social and emotional delays– the COVID-19 pandemic may have caused delays in social and emotional development for children in Generation Alpha.
- Self-consciousness and lack of confidence and self-esteem– children in Generation Alpha may feel self-conscious when posting online due to the professionalized content on social media.
Gen Alpha and Loneliness. Is There a Problem?
Yes, there is growing concern about a potential loneliness problem among Generation Alpha children, with reports indicating they may struggle to make meaningful connections due to factors like heavy reliance on technology, limited face-to-face interactions, and the impact of the pandemic on social development.
Gen Alpha parents are increasingly noticing their children having difficulty forming friendships and experiencing feelings of isolation. Keep in mind these parents didn’t have these issues when they’re were younger so they’re pretty clueless on how to help their children.
Gen Alpha and Depression? Is There a Problem?
According to current research, there is growing concern about a potential link between Generation Alpha and increased rates of depression, with experts citing factors like heavy online exposure, social comparison, pandemic experiences, and anxieties around climate change as contributing factors.
Does Gen Alpha Have ADHD?
ADHD is one of the most common mental health disorders in Generation Alpha, along with anxiety. Nearly 1 in 5 Gen Alphas suffer from ADHD. Keep in mind that ADHD was classified as disorder in 1987 because of this generations like Gen Alpha, Gen Z, and millennials have more ADHD diagnoses than older generations.
Gen Alpha Mental Health Statistics, Facts and Trends for 2024 (Conclusion)
My updated guide for 2024 lists the best and latest statistics, facts and trends about Gen Alpha mental health and psychological wellbeing.
I hope you enjoyed it because the guide is now over.
During my research, I consulted these resources below:
References:
- The emerging generations, mental health and wellbeing- https://mccrindle.com.au/article/topic/generation-alpha/the-emerging-generations-mental-health-and-wellbeing/
- Generation Alpha and mental health- https://therapist.com/generations/generation-alpha/
- Learn key characteristics, trends, and demographics about this newest generation with data on Gen Alpha and 13-year-olds - https://springtideresearch.org/thirteen-a-first-look-at-gen-alpha
- Gen Alpha’s mental wellness- https://www.vml.com/insight/gen-alphas-mental-wellness
- « Generation Alpha » is defined as children born between 2010 and 2024.- https://generationalphaminds.org/
- Gen Alpha problems linked to parenting styles, tech: Educator- https://www.newsnationnow.com/on-balance-with-leland-vittert/gen-alpha-parenting-styles-educator/
- Who are Generation Alpha? From mental health crises to space travel, we look at the path ahead- https://whynow.co.uk/read/who-are-generation-alpha-from-mental-health-crises-to-space-travel-we-look-at-the-path-ahead
- The Impact of Social Media and Technology on Gen Alpha- https://www.aecf.org/blog/impact-of-social-media-on-gen-alpha
- Gen Alpha is tech savvy and growing up fast, but their parents worry about their mental health- https://www.fastcompany.com/90862765/gen-alpha-parents-survey-mental-health-influence-tech
- 6 Health Challenges Faced By Generation Alpha- https://www.onlymyhealth.com/health-challenges-faced-by-generation-alpha-1715172025
- Generation Alpha emerges as a sophisticated and desirable target market- https://www.supplysidesj.com/supplements/generation-alpha-emerges-as-a-sophisticated-and-desirable-target-market
- Top 9 Key Gen Alpha Characteristics Teachers & Parents Must Know!- https://www.classpoint.io/blog/gen-alpha-characteristics
- Generation Alpha Struggles to Navigate Increased Screen Time, Social Media Use- https://www.theroanokestar.com/2024/04/29/generation-alpha-struggles-to-navigate-increased-screen-time-social-media-use/
- Mental Health City X Gen Alpha- https://www.futuretaleslab.com/articles/genalphacity
- I’m actually terrified for Gen Alpha- https://www.reddit.com/r/GenZ/comments/18n4qbt/im_actually_terrified_for_gen_alpha/
- Generation Alpha: online, dependent, and depressed- https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanchi/article/PIIS2352-4642(22)00130-4/abstract
- Gen Alpha problems linked to parenting styles, tech: Educator- https://www.newsnationnow.com/on-balance-with-leland-vittert/gen-alpha-parenting-styles-educator/
- Richmond’s Generation Alpha is taking on unprecedented challenges- https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2024/01/26/richmond-gen-alpha-teenagers
Nikola Roza
Nikola Roza is a blogger behind Nikola Roza- SEO for the Poor and Determined. He writes for bloggers who don't have huge marketing budget but still want to succeed. Nikola is passionate about precious metals IRAs and how to invest in gold and silver for a safer financial future. Learn about Nikola here.