21st Century Children - OECD (2024)

FAQs

What do children need to succeed in the 21st century? ›

Success in the 21st century will depend on young people's ability to be resourceful, adaptable, self- confident, creative and self-managing. Good presentation and people skills will be essential, as will critical thinking.

The term “21st century children” evokes images of radical change, turning the corner from a previous way of being. A new century brings endless opportunity – and potentially also endless risk. Yet although modern children's lives have changed in many ways, many of these changes have been underway for some time.

Despite the positive effects of digital media on children's development of competencies and psychom*otor skills, parents and teachers must limit the amount of time their children and pupils spend using new devices. Managing them would allow for monitoring their sleep patterns and the development of peer relationships.

Negative Impacts

Technology can negatively affect children's developing social skills, relationships, health, and overall ability to focus. developing their social skills. This can lead to more children being socially awkward, withdrawn, shy, or intimidated by social situations.

The rise of a global economy and Third World consumerism marked the beginning of the century, along with increased private enterprise and deepening global concern over terrorism after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Creative skills and innovation are highly desired in the 21st century learner. 21st century children need to be able to think creatively, work creatively with others and also implement innovation in their everyday lives (NEA, 2012; Partnership for 21st Century Skills, 2009).

Kids in the Generation Alpha club are the first generation to be born entirely within the 21 ^st century. They're immersed in technology and described by diversity in key areas, including their race and ethnicity, family structure and family finances.

21st-century learning is a term used to describe a shift in education from the traditional methods of the past to a more modern approach. This new approach focuses on preparing students for the future by teaching them the skills they need to be successful in a global economy.

In general, technology use can cause social and behavioral problems in children because it minimizes the amount of time kids spend interacting with others. Make sure to monitor your child's social media use and be aware of the types of websites they're visiting and the games they're playing online.

What are the pros and cons of using technology in children's development? ›

Children can benefit from technology by gaining new learning opportunities; it's especially important for children who are physically or developmentally challenged. However, technology use has also been found to contribute to poor self-esteem and isolation in some children.

Ultimately, Children are neither smarter or more socialized because of the internet and social media. Ironically, children who use the internet frequently are progressively becoming detached from the world even though they are using the internet mostly to stay updated and connected with the world.

Con: Removes Children from Opportunities for Socialization

Young children who spend more time engaging with devices may not spend as much time interacting with their peers—which can affect those children's social and emotional growth.

Technology allows increased access to social activities and interactions. Technology encourages global awareness and understanding. Children can use technology to connect with their family, friends, and others in ways that enrich their relationships, particularly when using video chat and other real-time interactions.

All youth need to develop a set of core life skills to manage school, work, outside interests, and social relationships successfully. From the perspective of brain development, these skills include planning, focus, self-control, awareness, and flexibility—also known as “executive function” and “self-regulation” skills.