It's okay mom, dad: Your Gen Z matric can study for the exams on the couch and online

As parents, we often think that because we once wrote Matric exams ourselves, we are perfectly capable of supporting our teen through the biggest trial of their education so far.

The generation gap is bigger than ever

The trick is to be mindful of the vast generational gap that exists between our children and ourselves. Our kids are going to experience the upcoming Matric exams quite differently from the way we did. And if we’re going to be able to help them, we need to understand their generation as best as we possibly can.

• Also see: The 6-step PROVES method that will guarantee you kick finals in the butt!

Who is Gen Z?

Gen Z refers to those children/teenagers born between 1995 and 2009, and as with all other generations, this cohort has distinct strengths and weaknesses. Of course, this is a broad generalisation, as all generational stereotypes go, but it could provide interesting insights.

In broad strokes: the positive traits that Gen Z have on their side include higher IQs than Baby Boomers, greater ambition than Millennials and a well-developed sense of responsibility.

Gen Z are also the first generation to be entirely digitally immersed and are often referred to as "digital natives". They simply can’t imagine a world without smartphones, Google and WiFi (a kid with a device permanently in hand is something every Gen Z parent can relate to). Gen Z’ers prefer almost everything that is digitally presented and are highly adept at discovering and learning on their own.  

A different kind of learning

For most parents, learning means sitting diligently at a desk poring over textbooks. However, your Gen Z child will most probably prefer to do a lot of studying for their Matric exams sprawled on the couch and watching videos of their favourite YouTube teachers.

Gen Z’ers also have a tendency towards social learning and can readily turn an online chat with friends into a peer-learning classroom. “Parents of the current Matric cohort need a real understanding of how their child learns best,” says Lauren Martin, counselling psychologist and head of teaching and learning at SACAP (The South African College of Applied Psychology). 

“You don’t want to make the mistake of shutting down or getting in the way of what is highly effective learning for them because you have misinterpreted what they might be doing on YouTube or on FaceTime. Gen Z learns differently from other generations, and they need different parental awareness and support. If a parent is helping or monitoring their child’s study plan, they need to support space in the timetable for digital and social learning.”

• Also see: PRINT IT: Weekly study timetable

Digital multi-taskers

Another generational anomaly (and potential minefield) is Gen Z’s uncanny ability to digitally multi-task. They can watch TV, quickly post on Instagram while having a WhatsApp conversation with five friends, Google something on their laptop and make long-hand notes simultaneously.

It’s the kind of multi-tasking that brings on anxiety and despair for other generations, but Gen Z – with their short attention spans and tech-savviness – take it in their cyber stride.

The result is that parents, who for the most part view multitasking as a negative, try to curb their teen’s many-at-once habits. “During the Matric exams, parents typically want to limit distractions to sharpen the focus on studying,” says Martin. “This is a challenge for Gen Z students who have a different perception of what constitutes a ‘distraction’.

"It’s important for parents to have a clear view of their child’s real competencies and allow them to plan for their Matric study time in the ways that work best for them. They will most likely prepare best by doing some things very differently to the way you did them.”

The weak spots to watch:

Gen Z reports higher levels of  anxiety and depression. This is a generation shaped by being born into a perilous world of economic recession, rising terrorism and major global environmental threats. They are predisposed to worry and feeling chronically unsafe.

Mental health issues among Gen Z are prevalent. “Helping to manage stress might well be the greatest thing a parent can do support their child through this Matric year,” says Jogini Packery, counselling psychologist and head of student services at SACAP.

“This starts with parents managing their own stress so that they can model dealing well with strong emotions and a tense life circumstance. Maintaining balance and facilitating effective stress relief will go a long way to soothe high anxiety.

Often Gen Z does not get out enough. All of their screen time means less time going for a run, cycle or a walk with the dogs. Physical activity stimulates the endorphins that help to keep anxiety and depression in check. If a parent is giving input on a study plan, they should check out the downtime and see where they can encourage and share in healthy physical activities that deliver important stress relief.”

Another downside of the always-on life is a lack of proper sleep. Ensure you discuss boundaries with your teen re screen time and that they switch off well before bedtime.

• Also see: Are you stressing about the exams more than your kid is?

For any matriculant who is interested in the field of psychology, counselling or human resource management, SACAP offers a wide range of qualifications and a one-of-a-kind approach to learning: academic rigour and applied skills.

Graduating confident skilled practitioners is key, which is why SACAP combines an academically rigorous curriculum with a strong emphasis on the ability to apply knowledge through the training of relevant skills. Registration for 2019 term one, closes at the end of January 2019.

For further information, visit: SACAP.

How are you helping your child prepare for the upcoming matric exams? Let us know by emailing us at chatback@Parent24.com and we could publish your comments. Do let us know if you'd like to remain anonymous.

Read more:

• Help your child study effectively
• Study styles: Help your teen find the one that suits him best
• Help! My child is writing exams!

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