Üsküdar University Founding Rector, Psychiatrist Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan, explained the key codes of communication with 'Generation Z' to AKŞAM. Tarhan said; “Parents should not apply their old experiences to children. Instead of saying 'obey', they should choose a persuasion-oriented education model.”
Generation Z, the first social generation to grow up with access to digital technology such as mobile phones, tablets, and the internet from an early age, comprises those born between 1995 and 2009, according to the Australian-based McCrindle Research Centre. Üsküdar University Founding Rector, Psychiatrist Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan, explained to AKŞAM the ways to understand Generation Z, which is targeted by older generations with criticisms like 'dislikes work, digitally dependent, avoids responsibility'.
'NOT A LOST GENERATION'
Stating that one must completely forget the methods of their own era when communicating with Generation Z, Prof. Tarhan gave the following advice to parents: "Generation conflict is not a new situation. It's a reality that existed even in ancient civilizations, in Egyptian papyri, Hittite tablets, and even during Socrates' time. Compared to past generations, new generations are more self-confident, libertarian, questioning, and can access information much more easily. However, this generation is not a lost generation; it's a lovely generation."
'DEVOTE TIME TO YOUR CHILDREN'
Prof. Tarhan, stating that there were children who remained silent against parental authority in the past, said: "Now, parents' old-fashioned, harsh, strict approach causes children to disengage from relationships. Current parents should devote more time to their children and use methods of persuasion and conviction. Adolescence is a period likened to a schizophrenic phase, where inconsistent reactions are normal. Parents need to accept this."
'GIVE UP PERFECTIONISM!'
Prof. Tarhan stated that placing pressure on children with 'you must do everything perfectly' is also among the primary mistakes made against Generation Z, and issued the following warnings: "The dose of perfectionism needs to be lowered a bit. Idealism within the family can cause children to be lost. The real problem here is trying to apply our old parenting experiences to the current young generation. It is no longer possible to apply an education model like those of the past to young people. Instead of saying "obey" like your parents did, you should switch to a persuasion-oriented education model. This is the 'Ask, think, be convinced, then obey' approach."