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NCSS: Culture • Time, Continuity, and Change • People, Places, and Environments • Individual Development and Identity • Individuals, Groups, and Institutions • Science, Technology, and Society • Global Connections

Common Core: RH.6-8.1, RH.6-8.2, RH.6-8.3, RH.6-8.4, RH.6-8.5, RH.6-8.7, RI.6-8.1, RI.6-8.2, RI.6-8.3, RI.6-8.4, RI.6-8.5, RI.6-8.7

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Culture

Here Come the Beta Babies

The NEW youngest generation is here.

If you were born in 2010 or later, you’re part of Generation Alpha. That was the youngest generation—until now. This year marks the beginning of a new generation. Babies born in 2025 through 2039 will make up Generation Beta.

A generation is a group of people born within a specific 15-to-20-year span. Members of the same generation experience major events, trends, and changes in technology at around the same age. That can shape their views differently from those of other generations. This chart compares five generations.

What do you think Generation Beta members’ answers will be?

—Alicia Green & Brooke Ross

Baby Boomers
Born 1946-1964

Slang Terms for Good: Groovy, Far out

Iconic Toy: Frisbee

Popular Music Device: Record player

Generation X
Born 1965-1979

Slang Terms for Good: Rad, Wicked

Iconic Toy: Rubik’s Cube

Popular Music Device: Walkman

Generation Y (or Millennials)
Born 1980-1994

Slang Terms for Good: Awesome, Nice

Iconic Toy: Transformers

Popular Music Device: iPod

Generation Z
Born 1995-2009

Slang Terms for Good: Fire emoji, GOAT

Iconic Toy: Folding scooter

Popular Music Device: Spotify

Generation Alpha
Born 2010-2024

Slang Terms for Good: Lit, Bussin’

Iconic Toy: Fidget spinner

Popular Music Device: Smart speaker


Note: Some sources use slightly different birth years for certain generations.

SOURCES: Statista (record player); YouGov (far out, awesome, nice); The Strong National Museum of Play (Transformers); Parents.com (bussin’); McCrindle Research (all other data) 

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