This year marks the start of a new generation. Most of these children of Millennials will live to see the 22nd century.
The year 2025 will see the birth of Generation Beta, the second of the generations entirely immersed in technology and the internet. In 10 years’ time, it is estimated babies born between this year and 2039 will make up 16 per cent of the global population.
“Generation Beta represents a pivotal chapter in our evolving world,” writes McCrindle in the article “Welcome Gen Beta“. “Generation Beta will live in an era where AI and automation are fully embedded in everyday life—from education and workplaces to healthcare and entertainment. They will likely be the first generation to experience autonomous transportation at scale, wearable health technologies and immersive virtual environments as standard aspects of daily life.”
Labelling the generations
Children born this year and beyond are the latest in a list of generational labels used to categorise groups of people born within certain periods of time. It includes:
- Baby boomers (1946–1964)
- Gen X (1965–1979)
- Gen Y/Millennials (1980–1994)
- Gen Z (1995–2009)
- Generation Alpha (2010-2024)
Generation Beta are the children of younger Millennials and older Gen Zs, and many will live to usher in the new year on December 31, 2100 (the last day of the 21st century).
“With climate change, global population shifts and rapid urbanisation at the forefront, sustainability will not just be a preference but an expectation. This generation will be raised by Millennial and older Gen Z parents, many of whom prioritise adaptability, equality and eco-consciousness in their parenting,” writes McCrindle.
“We predict Generation Beta will embody the balance between hyper-connectivity and personal expression. They’ll redefine what it means to belong, blending in-person relationships with global digital communities.”
A declining population
While new babies will be welcomed, it comes at a time of declining fertility rates. According to the total fertility rate in 2023, an Australian woman would have 1.5 babies over her lifetime, the lowest fertility level ever recorded, well below the current level needed for population replacement. The lowest rate also continues to be in major cities.
The declining birth rate, when read in conjunction with the fact two children remain as the most common family size, imply more women are deciding to remain child-free or have only one child.
Back in 2017, it was estimated 49 per cent of women aged 30 and over would become new mothers. New figures now put that at 54 per cent. With women giving birth later in life comes the heightened risk of having difficulty conceiving. Data is indicating that the proportion of women giving birth as a result of assisted reproductive technology continues to increase.
What the future holds
It’s always difficult trying to predict the future. What will the many years to come bring? What kind of world will our children’s children inherit?
Declining birth rates and delayed parenthood reflect societal shifts, from career prioritisation to financial considerations. Yet, these changes also open the door to new opportunities for reshaping family dynamics and raising children in innovative ways. As we welcome this new generation, their experiences will be shaped by both the challenges and possibilities of our modern world.
Read next: It’s official. These are the top baby names for 2024
Goodbye Generation Alpha, hello Generation Beta
