Gen Z and Gen Alpha

by: Kaila Janeena Agarrado

Long before tablets, social media, and the world with virtual friends have ruled the

children’s minds; we were all simple kids, and gadgets were not our toys.

As a kid, I normally see other children basking in the heat of the sun, not minding getting

a tan at all. Our past times back then composed of physical and motor activities. We call them,

“Larong Pinoys.” - others were creatively reinvented, with new rules and different materials.

“90’s kids can only relate”

Waking up to the sound of my grandfather’s chicken, I jumped out of my bed in my

pajamas and just like that, I would gather all my cousins in our compound to come out and play.

On dog days of summer, the sun was hitting my body as we start our day with playing with our

shared toys and assign who's going to be the mom, dad, baby, and the yaya.

Leaping and skipping our energy out on our Chinese garters in the streets, tumbang preso

and patis were our favorites. If the bad weather gets in the way, and if our mama’s and nanny's

allow us, we would play in the rain until it stops; if not, we will stay in our house competing for

who is the best in playing jackstones and who will be crowned in our own version of “Ms.

Universe.”
 My childhood brought myself some of my first memories, from achieving my first highest

leap in playing the Chinese garter, the fastest I've ever run in our lagsanay , or developed my memory

by playing the “flash memory card game”. Even though I don’t recall as many specific details as I

can, as my memory of such specific events has decayed.

The shady hallway between our homes provided endless opportunities for adventure. There

were many other games to occupy our time as well. I was six years old when I first knew fear. It

seems like yesterday that I could still recall my surroundings when it happened. As I was teaching

myself to balance on our newly purchased bicycle when my brother pushed me and gave me a huge

scar in my knees. My father was raised his voice in fear, wondering what happened. I am certain that

my brother was the most nervous one when it happened.

Growing up, my father, was so particular of my skin. He would always get disappointed

seeing my body full of band-aids. I remember covering my ears when he was talking to me, which

is not acceptable. After the lengthy sermon of my father, I would immediately run outside, and

perhaps, give myself more scars for the band-aids to cover.

On a Sunday evening, my cousins and I would gather and sit in front of the electric fan in

our living room, wet from all of the sweat, to watch our favorite television show. As what I have

observed, kids of the 90s era tune in to more educational and child-friendly television shows, just

like our favorite, “Goin’ Bulilit” and “Wansapanataym.” 90’s kids had a balance of street and

gizmo life.
 So much of my childhood has taught me life lessons that I still apply in my everyday life.

Along the way, I did start to realize who I was, and what separated the others from myself. Along

the way, I continuously discover myself, what I like, how to handle simple things and to interact

with the other children.

Quite a Social Butterfly

Amusement for children today is significantly much expensive and risky than years before.

Kids today entertain themselves by utilizing the technology of smartphones, tablets, laptops, and

game consoles with easy access to all media without prohibitions.

A gloomy Sunday afternoon, just in time when the children in our compound woke up

from their afternoon nap when I asked them a few questions. I particularly asked my five-year-

old niece. I bribed her with some snacks to settle. She's a social butterfly and she really speaks her

mind.

Then I asked: "Which is better, your scooter or your tablet?" She answered happily, " My tablet."

I asked her why expecting that she will not answer such a question. “ Kay sadya inday mo,” (

Because it's fun) she replied.

I wanted to ask her more questions. Then I asked, “ mas sadya man ang scooter, maka play

kamo sa gwa,” ( You can play with your scooter outside, and it is more fun) I argued. She then

laughed and said in reply, “ ka funny bala simo inday.” ( You’re so funny)
Even at the dinner table. She can't eat properly without having an electronic screen facing her,

singing her songs with upbeat music, as some of the kids her age do. She barely goes outside;

she's fine as long as the battery of her tablet will not run out.

With that short conversation with my niece, I immediately compared how I would react and

answer certain questions. Technology has indeed overpowered society nowadays, even to children.

We have seen how strong it affected us. Childhood has changed dramatically over time, but it’s

tricky to childhoods today with those of the past. Our perceptions may be influenced by our own

vantage point, thus, as someone who has a responsibility to these little tots, we are obliged not to

prohibit them, rather discipline them.

With so many amenities at hand, we should be much happier and better off than what we

were before. Instead, peace in our lives is missing. There are things that we can look back to, and

I am fortunate enough to have memories to share with others.

It is good to enjoy all luxuries and conveniences in life, but it is more important to be

consciously aware of ourselves. After all, happiness is a state of mind.