Thank you for joining us for our seminar, Gen Z: Understanding the Next Generation with Dr. Tanita Maddox. We hope the seminar gave you helpful insights into the values, struggles, and perspectives of Gen Z. Whether you're a parent, mentor, or just wanting to connect better with the next generation, we want to equip you with tools to continue the conversation. Below, you'll find a list of resources to help you dive deeper.

Notes and Resources from Dr. Maddox

Web Resources

 

RELATE: Knowing and Believing in the Next Generation

Relate is a Young Life initiative dedicated to understanding and supporting Generation Z. Through comprehensive research involving over 7,200 adolescents worldwide, the project explores Gen Z's relationships with themselves, peers, adults, and God. Key findings reveal that more than 40% of Gen Z doesn't feel worthy of being loved, over 33% turn to social media when anxious, and half are stressed by school and finances. Despite these challenges, Gen Z desires to be known as kind and good, earning the moniker "The Empathic Generation." Relate provides resources, reports, and insights to help adults bridge generational gaps and support young people in their journey toward flourishing.

 

Tanita Maddox’s website - provides resources to help adults connect with Generation Z. It features resources, blog posts, articles, and podcast interviews on engaging with Gen Z. It's a valuable hub for learning about and engaging with today's youth.

The "Everything Smartphone" Guided Toolkit from Axis.org - Free download! The first half of the kit unpacks what’s at stake in the smartphone conversation for teens and families. The second half highlights what parents can do and are doing to help their teens navigate smartphones from a Christian point of view.

The Culture Translator from Axis.org - a weekly resource that helps parents and mentors understand the trends shaping Gen Z’s world. Through a newsletter and podcast, it provides insights on music, media, and social issues, equipping adults to have meaningful conversations with teens.

Fuller Youth Institute - The Fuller Youth Institute (FYI) equips leaders and parents to nurture lasting faith in young people by translating research into practical resources. Key initiatives include Sticky Faith, helping teens develop lifelong faith, and Growing Young, guiding churches to engage young people. FYI offers books, courses, and a podcast to support youth ministry.

Mental health resources from Northview’s CARE ministry - In November 2023, Northview hosted a seminar on anxiety and depression featuring mental health counselors Laura and Carl Chica. The resources provided here were created as a follow-up to that event.

Books

 

Faith Based books

 

What Gen Z Really Wants to Know About God

What Gen Z Really Wants to Know About God by Tanita Tualla Maddox equips ministry leaders to engage Gen Z’s real questions about faith and life. Drawing from research and experience, Maddox explores seven key questions this generation is asking and offers practical ways to communicate gospel truths in their cultural context. This essential guide helps youth pastors, ministry leaders, and parents foster meaningful connections and disciple Gen Z toward a lasting faith. Available to pre-order.

3 Big Questions that Change Every Teenager

Today's teenagers are the most anxious, adaptive, and diverse generation, struggling to answer three key questions: Who am I?, Where do I fit?, and What difference can I make? Based on research from the Fuller Youth Institute and interviews with 1,200 teens, this book by Kara Powell and Brad M. Griffin provides pastors, youth leaders, mentors, and parents with practical strategies to help teens find life-giving answers through empathy, listening, and pointing them toward the truth of their identity, belonging, and purpose in God's story.

So the Next Generation Will Know

So the Next Generation Will Know by Sean McDowell, Ph.D., and J. Warner Wallace is a practical guide for Christian parents, youth leaders, and educators working with Generation Z. Drawing on the latest research and personal experience, the book provides strategies for sharing biblical truth with a generation influenced by secular culture, helping them understand and embrace a biblical worldview in a way that resonates and draws them in.

Prayers for the Next Gen

Prayers for the Next Gen is a FREE download from Young Life featuring 25 prayers gathered from Young Life staff around the world. This resource is designed to help adults pray for the spiritual and emotional well-being of today’s youth. Each prayer addresses different aspects of a young person’s journey, offering support as they grow in faith and purpose. It’s a helpful tool for youth leaders, parents, and mentors to pray intentionally for the next generation.

 
 

Other books recommended by Tanita

 

Generations

Generations by Dr. Jean Twenge explores the six generations currently living in the U.S. and how they interact, conflict, and compete. Using data from 39 million people, Twenge challenges the idea that major events define generational differences, showing instead that changes in technology are the key factor. The book highlights shifts in attitudes and lifestyle regarding gender, income, politics, race, sexuality, marriage, mental health, and more, offering a new perspective on how generational differences shape our lives and interactions.

The Anxious Generation

In The Anxious Generation, social psychologist Jonathan Haidt examines the sharp rise in adolescent mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicide, starting in the early 2010s. Haidt traces the decline of a "play-based childhood" and the rise of a "phone-based childhood," exploring how technology and social media have disrupted children’s social and neurological development. He highlights factors like sleep deprivation, addiction, and social comparison, and discusses why girls are more affected than boys. Haidt offers a call to action with practical steps for parents, educators, and tech companies to address the mental health crisis and restore a healthier childhood.

Behind their Screens

Behind Their Screens by Emily Weinstein and Carrie James explores the complexities of teens' digital lives, challenging common adult assumptions about smartphone use. Drawing on a study of over 3,500 teens, the authors argue that teens are not simply addicted to their screens but are navigating a networked world with unique challenges. They suggest that adults should offer empathy, not criticism, and understand the nuanced nature of teens' online experiences. The book addresses issues like sexting, comparison, and the pressure of being constantly connected, offering essential insights for adults supporting teens in the digital age.

The Emotional Lives of Teenagers

The Emotional Lives of Teenagers offers parents practical guidance for understanding and supporting their teens through the emotional challenges of adolescence. It explains normal emotional development, how mental health isn’t about always feeling good, and when to seek help. The book provides strategies for managing tough emotions, dealing with common challenges like anxiety, risky behavior, and social media pressures, and offers tips for staying connected with teens. With research-backed insights and real-life examples, it equips parents to support their teens as they navigate the transformative years of growing up.