Prof. Nevzat Tarhan explained the key codes of communicating with “Generation Z” to AKŞAM!

President of Üsküdar University and Psychiatrist Prof. Nevzat Tarhan explained the key codes of communicating with Generation Z to AKŞAM. Tarhan said: “Parents should not apply their old experiences to children. Instead of saying ‘Obey,’ they should choose a persuasion-oriented education model.”

Generation Z, the first social generation to grow up with access to digital technology such as mobile phones, tablets, and the internet from an early age, is defined by the Australia-based McCrindle Research Center as those born between 1995 and 2009. Often criticized by older generations as ‘lazy, digitally addicted, and irresponsible,’ the ways to understand Generation Z were explained by President of Üsküdar University Prof. Nevzat Tarhan in his interview with AKŞAM.

“NOT A LOST GENERATION”

Prof. Tarhan emphasized that when communicating with Generation Z, parents should completely forget the methods of their own era, and he gave the following advice: “Generational conflict is not a new phenomenon. It is a reality that existed even in ancient civilizations, on Egyptian papyri, Hittite tablets, and even in Socrates’ time. Compared to past generations, the new generations are more self-confident, liberal, questioning, and have easier access to information. However, this generation is not a lost one; it is a lovable generation.”

“SPEND TIME WITH YOUR CHILDREN”

Prof. Tarhan noted that in the past, children often remained silent in the face of parental authority: “Now, the old-style harsh and strict approach of parents causes children to disconnect from relationships. Today’s parents should spend more time with their children and use methods of persuasion and convincing. Adolescence is a period compared to a schizophrenic phase, where inconsistent reactions are normal. Parents must accept this.”

“GIVE UP ON PERFECTIONISM!”

Highlighting that putting pressure on children to ‘always do the best’ is among the main mistakes made toward Generation Z, Prof. Tarhan gave the following warning: “It is necessary to reduce the dose of perfectionism. Excessive idealism in the family can cause parents to lose their children. The main issue here is that we try to apply our old parenting experiences to today’s younger generation. It is no longer possible to apply an old education model to young people. Instead of saying ‘Obey’ like your own parents did, you must switch to a persuasion-oriented education model. This is the approach of ‘Ask, think, be convinced, and then obey.’”

AKŞAM