Move over movie stars and sports legends, today’s 10-year-olds are crafting a whole new Mount Rushmore of role models. Meet Generation Alpha: born after 2010, raised on iPads, schooled on Zoom, and socialised on YouTube Shorts. Their heroes aren’t necessarily who you’d expect, although a few timeless icons are still holding on. So, who’s on the poster wall (or more likely, the iPad wallpaper) of a Gen Alpha kid?
Wednesday Addams Goth Goals
Thanks to Netflix’s ‘Wednesday,’ a new generation is embracing the spooky, sarcastic charm of the Addams family’s least smiley member. She’s smart, independent, unapologetically herself, and dances like nobody’s watching (except for the 400 million who did).
Ryan Kaji The OG Kidfluencer
Ryan of Ryan’s World started unboxing toys on YouTube when he was three. Now he’s a tween mogul with toys, TV shows, and even toothpaste to his name. For Gen Alpha, he’s proof that kids can be CEOs, or at least content creators.
Bluey Yes, a Cartoon Dog
Australia’s favourite animated blue heeler isn’t just a preschool favourite. Bluey teaches empathy, imagination, and how to be a good sibling, and somehow does it with more emotional intelligence than half of Twitter. Even 10-year-olds admit they still sneak an episode or two.
Spider-Man Still Swinging Strong
Thanks to the Marvel multiverse (and a certain Miles Morales), Spider-Man continues to spin a powerful web. The message is timeless: anyone can wear the mask. For 10-year-olds, that means courage, responsibility, and maybe a cool Halloween costume.
Taylor Swift The Storytelling Superstar
She’s been topping charts since before they were born, but Taylor’s appeal has only grown. Her Eras Tour turned into a global event, even primary schoolers are wearing glitter, friendship bracelets, and belting out ‘Cruel Summer’ on the playground. Swifties under 12 are a real demographic now.
Mr. Beast The King of YouTube Generosity
With his outrageous stunts and philanthropic giveaways, Mr. Beast (Jimmy Donaldson) has Gen Alpha in a digital headlock. He plants trees, builds wells, pays for surgeries, and gives away private islands, all while making content kids can't stop watching. His message? Be kind, dream big, and give back. Not a bad takeaway for a 10-year-old.
Greta Thunberg The Young Activist
While Greta may be slightly older, her global impact resonates with eco-conscious Gen Alpha. Many 10-year-olds are learning about climate change through school and social media, and Greta represents the idea that kids can change the world, even if they still need permission to stay up past 9pm.
Emma Raducanu Gen Z Tennis Icon
Young, relatable, and down-to-earth, Emma Raducanu’s US Open win and calm confidence have won over sports-minded Gen Alphas, especially girls. She’s sporty, smart, and stylish; a winning combination in their eyes.
BTS The Global Good Vibes Ambassadors
Even while some members serve in the military, BTS’s message of love, self-worth and unity remains strong among younger fans. Their music, dancing, fashion and kindness have captured the hearts of Gen Alpha around the globe. Whether it’s singing along to ‘Dynamite’ or learning Korean one lyric at a time, these boys from Seoul are shaping hearts and playlists alike.
LEGO Engineers and Minecraft Builders
Not one person, but a whole genre: Gen Alpha is deeply inspired by creators who build amazing things. From LEGO Masters to Minecraft YouTubers, the message is clear, creativity and construction are cool, and problem-solving is a superpower.
The Takeaway
Gen Alpha’s role models are diverse, digital, and deeply human. From YouTubers and activists to cartoon dogs and tennis stars, they’re choosing heroes who reflect their world; creative, inclusive, tech-savvy, and tuned in to real-world issues. One thing’s for sure: if you want to inspire a 10-year-old in 2025, don’t just go viral, go values!
