Generation Z now forms one of the most dominant segments of Indonesia’s productive-age population, known for their technological fluency, goal-oriented mindset, and strong self-confidence.
However, they are also vulnerable to social and emotional pressures, particularly due to the pervasive influence of social media.
This exposure can trigger the Fear of Missing Out (FOMO), contributing to mental health issues such as anxiety, stress, and even depression.
One example is the academic pressure faced by university students. In this context, parental and environmental support play a vital role in shaping the emotional resilience and character of Generation Z.
Professor Yayi Suryo Prabandari, a clinical psychology expert from the UGM Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing (FK-KMK UGM), explained that Generation Z is generally more optimistic than previous generations due to their high self-confidence.
However, she emphasized that many still need guidance to manage expectations and avoid adverse mental health outcomes.
“Parents need to guide their children appropriately according to their characteristics,” she said during a parenting seminar organized by the UGM Faculty of Animal Science (Animal Science UGM)’s Parent Association (POTMA) under the theme “Building the Resilience of Generation Z” on Sunday (May 11) at the UC Hotel UGM.
In the realm of education, Generation Z exhibits a preference for personalized, interactive, and technology-based learning methods.
They tend to be disinterested in traditional lecture formats and are more engaged through Learning Management Systems (LMS), interactive videos, and other digital tools.
“One study shows that Gen Z prefers graphic-based learning and finds monotonous lectures boring. They enjoy receiving feedback and prefer customized learning experiences,” Professor Prabandari explained.
She also emphasized that today’s children no longer aspire to simply emulate their parents but instead seek to discover their own identities and paths.
Therefore, parents are encouraged not to compare the present with the past but to understand the current realities and challenges their children face.
“We as parents need to be patient with the next generation. It’s important to adapt, but Generation Z actually enjoys communication, especially in the form of discussion and dialogue,” she added.
Cossa Rusmala Dewi Tamia, Chair of POTMA at Animal Science UGM, acknowledged the need for parents to gain deeper insight into how to support their children during their higher education journey.
“We believe that empowering parents will contribute to student success and help shape a younger generation that is better prepared for the future,” she said.
Dr. Ahmad Romadhoni Surya Putra, Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs at Animal Science UGM, also appreciated POTMA’s initiative in organizing the parenting seminar.
He concurred that mental health issues are one of the factors affecting student learning.
“We hope that through this seminar, parents will learn how to support and motivate their children’s academic pursuits,” said Dr. Putra.
As part of the POTMA agenda, Animal Science UGM also organized a campus tour using UGM bicycles, the POTMA Scholarship Awarding event, and an additional seminar titled “Enhancing Opportunities and Income through Smart Farming in the Livestock Sector.”
Author: Lintang Andwyna
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya