Character Education: An Important Foundation for Future Generation Z

Along with the rapid development of the times, character education has become a major concern in providing a strong foundation for Generation Z. Recognizing the importance of character education, the government and educational institutions are now increasingly focused on building a solid personality and noble values in the younger generation. Character education is not only about academic knowledge, but also about ethics, empathy, honesty, and social skills that will help them face future challenges. 

Generation Z are people born between 1995 and 2010. Generation Z, also known as the iGeneration, Net Generation or Internet Generation, are those who live in the digital age. Elizabeth T. Santosa in her book entitled Raising Children in Digital Era states that: The Net Generation is the generation born after 1995, or more precisely after 2000. This generation was born when the internet began to enter and develop rapidly in human life. This generation did not know the time when cell phones were not yet produced, when the majority of daily toys were still traditional. 

Generation Z has distinctive characteristics where the internet began to develop and grow in line with the development of digital media. The existence of Generation Z was born from the combination of the two previous generations, Generation X and Generation Y. People in this generation are those who were born and raised in the digital era, where various technologies have developed more and more advanced, such as the existence of electronic hardware in the form of: computers or laptops, cellphones, iPads, MP3, MP4, and so on. 

Elizabeth T. Santosa (2015: 20) mentions several indicators of children belonging to Generation Z or Net Generation : 

a. Have great ambition to success Today's children tend to have a positive and optimistic character in achieving their dreams. 

b. Tend to be practical and instant behavior (speed) Children in the generation Z era like practical problem solving. They do not like to linger over a long process of looking at a problem. This is because these children were born into an instant world. 

c. Love freedom and have high self-confidence This generation loves freedom. Freedom of speech, freedom of creativity, freedom of expression, and so on. They were born in a modern world, where most of them do not like memorized lessons. They prefer lessons that are exploratory in nature. Children in this generation mostly have high self confidence. They have an optimistic attitude in many ways.

d. Tend to like details This generation is a generation that is critical in thinking, and detailed in looking at a problem or phenomenon. This is due to the ease of finding.

Generation Z also faces many complexities and unprecedented changes. They live in the digital age with unlimited access to information and advanced technology, which brings significant impacts to their lives. Therefore, character education becomes very important for this generation, as they need to have solid moral and ethical values to face an increasingly complex and dynamic world. 

Character education is not only about academic knowledge, but also about ethics, empathy, honesty and social skills that will help them in facing future challenges. It includes the development of a strong personality, positive values, as well as the skills needed to interact effectively with their surroundings. Character education involves a holistic approach, involving the roles of the school, parents, community and all elements around Generation Z.  

Schools can play a major role in building strong character in Generation Z through a curriculum that includes moral learning, leadership, social responsibility and emotional skills. Teachers can guide and give good examples, introduce positive values, and facilitate discussions and activities that encourage character development. However, character education is not only the responsibility of schools. Parents have to be good role models and guide their children in developing positive attitudes and behaviors. The family is the first environment where children acquire values and social norms. Therefore, parents should be actively involved in their children's character education by providing support, modeling good behavior, and open communication.

In addition, communities also have a significant impact on Generation Z's character education. Communities can create an environment that supports positive character development through community programs, volunteering and opportunities to participate in activities that promote ethics, social care and other positive values. Collaboration between schools, parents and communities is essential to create a supportive environment for Generation Z character building. 

One important aspect of character education is the development of empathy and social skills. Generation Z is frequently too much focused on their digital devices, neglecting real social interactions. In this digital age, it is important for generation Z to understand the importance of getting in touch with others, understanding other people's emotions, and sharing real social experiences. Preparing them with good social skills will help them interact with different segments of society and forge healthy relationships.

Character education also includes understanding and appreciating cultural diversity. In an emerging digital world, Generation Z will interact with people from different cultural backgrounds. Therefore, it is important for them to have a deep knowledge and understanding of different cultures, as well as a strong attitude of tolerance and inclusiveness. Through character education that involves cultural understanding, generation Z can become agents of change who are able to build a more harmonious and respectful society. 

Character education not only provides short-term benefits, but also contributes to the foundation of a better future. When Generation Z grows up and faces the world of work, they will be faced with demands for professionalism, work ethics and team collaboration. Their ability to understand good values and maintain integrity will help them become successful individuals and benefit society. In addition, with a solid character education, generation Z can become future leaders who are able to handle the complex challenges facing the world today. 

Therefore, in order to face an uncertain future, it is important for Generation Z to have strong character education. They must be taught about moral values, ethics, leadership, and social skills that will help them face challenges and opportunities that arise. All parties, from educational institutions, parents, the community, to other stakeholders, need to work together in providing comprehensive character education for the younger generation, because they are our hope for the future.  

Written by : 

Dahlia Nurfebriana (203106012)