Keynote

11.20am - Saturday 10 August 2019

The Wellbeing of Gen Z

For today's Gen Z students (born 1995-2009), the first language they often learn to be fluent in is that of technology.  The use of smart devices and the internet is ubiquitous for Gen Zs today, and it is not only the number of devices and how frequently they interact with digital technologies, but also how technology has shaped their thinking, facilitated communication, redefined community, become core to their learning and become almost like a companion to them, which is extraordinary.  Those on the front line of working with this emerging generation, such as chaplains, educators and parents, are grappling with the impacts of this technology and societal shifts on the wellbeing of these young people. In this session, Claire will provide insight into the factors influencing the wellbeing of Gen Z, and how chaplains and educators can be positioned to respond.