Parents’ Views of the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Generation Alpha: A Descriptive Study

Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic is a turning point for Generation Alpha. This study was conducted to determine parents’ views of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their Generation Alpha children. Material and Method: This descriptive, comparative, and cross‐sectional study was conducted on 395 parents of Generation Alpha children between January 10 and March 10, 2021. Data were collected using a parent and child sociodemographic form and a questionnaire for generation alpha during the COVID-19 pandemic. Descriptive statistics and paired sample t-test were used for analysis. Effect size was calculated using Cohen's d method. Results: Less than a quarter of the parents stated the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their children was “fear” (22.8%). Less than half the parents noted that the positive impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their children was “togetherness” (39.5%). According to parents, their Generation Alpha children spent significantly more time on social media (t = -8.647, p<0.001, effect size = 0.70) and watching TV (t = -9.324, p<0.001, effect size = 0.70) during the pandemic than before the pandemic. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic will shape the life and transform the characteristics of the members of Generation Alpha. Authorities should provide parents with training and counseling about Generation Alpha. Moreover, professionals and educators should provide Generation Alpha children with education and career guidance to help them shape their own future.