KATHMANDU – The dawn of Generation Beta, marking the births from January 1, 2025, to 2039, is upon us. This cohort will be born entirely surrounded by artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality, fundamentally changing how they interact with the world. Unlike previous generations who learned to adapt to technology, Generation Beta will not know a life devoid of these digital influences.
According to Mark McCrindle, a social researcher, “While Generation Alpha has experienced the rise of smart technology and artificial intelligence, Generation Beta will live in an era where AI and automation are fully embedded in everyday life—from education and workplaces to healthcare and entertainment.” With projections estimating this generation could number 2.1 billion by 2035, their upbringing presents immense possibilities and challenges.
AI's role is evidenced by children already using tools like ChatGPT for educational purposes. Ashok Khadka from Chabahil, Kathmandu, recounts how his seven-year-old nephew utilizes the AI for homework. “Since then, he’s been using ChatGPT for homework, math problems, and even to request images of planets, the sun, and flowers,” Khadka shared. This early adaptation not only highlights the capabilities of children but also raises questions about guidance from adults, as children navigate unregulated digital landscapes.
Beyond convenience, the integration of AI poses significant concerns, especially around cybersecurity and mental wellness. A 2024 ChildSafeNet-UNICEF study reveals 68% of respondents in Nepal are aware of generative AI, yet concerns loom over its risks. Anil Raghubansi, founder of ChildSafeNet, noted: “The answer of whether Generation Beta will be empowered by AI’s potential or harmed by its risks depends on how we prepare them today for tomorrow’s challenges.” The negative impact of generative AI on creativity and problem-solving skills was flagged by 58% of respondents.
Dr. Lina Gurung from Kathmandu University highlights another urgent matter, stating, “Nepal’s education system is woefully unprepared for the digital age.” Current policies struggle to keep pace with technological advancements, leaving educators inadequately prepared for the AI-influenced classroom. The existing laws primarily focus on data protection, as seen with the Electronic Transactions Act of 2008, which lacks specific provision for AI regulation. Without intervention, the risks associated with AI utilization could significantly outweigh its benefits, especially for young, impressionable minds.
A surge in cybercrime incidents—recorded at 635 cases of cyber violence between 2023-24, representing 260.8% rise from the previous year—reinforces this need. “Cybercrime cases have surged in recent years,” Gurung remarked, stressing the importance of equipping educators and children with the tools necessary to navigate this technological terrain safely.
Consequently, there is an urgent call for digital safety training and practical applications of AI within school curriculums. “If these lessons are merely tied to exams, they’ll lose their practical value,” cautioned Dr. Gurung. Proposed measures like integrating internet safety education aim to cultivate responsible usage of technology among this new generation.
Generation Beta stands at the intersection of immense potential and unprecedented risk. With financial forecasts projecting they may never retire, significant shifts will be needed to navigate the future. Prudential Financial indicates 86% of respondents believe these children will be destined for jobs yet to be created. This stark reality underlines the necessity for financial advisors to work with parents now, addressing the unique financial landscapes these children will face.
The future could see Generation Beta embracing innovations unimaginable to their predecessors, echoing earlier shifts such as the advent of smartphones for Millennials or social media for Gen Z. But as AI merges with daily life, one fundamental question remains—will these young AI natives be empowered to leverage technology for the greater good or become its victims? “We must be ready to tackle it,” Dr. Gurung warns, highlighting the pressing need to integrate ethical training alongside technological proficiency from early on.
Now is the time to act. To reshape and redefine our frameworks around education and technology before the first Beta children take their first steps. A collective responsibility looms over all generations to guide the development of Generation Beta, ensuring they navigate their AI-rich childhoods with safety, creativity, and opportunity at their fingertips.