The Gen Z Stare… and What It Means for Our Little Ones

Have you ever spoken to a teenager or young adult and been met with… nothing? No nod, no “yeah,” no “mmm,” not even eye contact just a blank, almost buffering stare?

This is what people are calling the “Gen Z stare.”

As an early childhood teacher and a mum, I find this trend both fascinating and worrying. I spend my days surrounded by little people, and I can’t help but think about what this means for their future communication and confidence.

What is the Gen Z Stare?

It’s that moment when you’re talking and the young person in front of you gives no verbal or non-verbal cue that they’ve heard or understood you. Some describe it as like speaking to a brick wall, others say it’s unnerving.

Some communication experts suggest it’s actually buffering time like a pause while their brain processes what you’ve said before they respond. In a way, it can be a form of curiosity or deep thinking.

But others say it’s just plain rude. A sign they don’t care enough to engage in a simple small talk conversation or answer obvious questions. Many Gen Z young people defend themselves by asking: “Why should I put energy into a conversation I can’t be bothered to have?”

Why Does This Matter for Young Children?

In schools and daycares over the past few years, I’ve noticed a real shift. Many children are arriving with fewer social skills:

• They struggle to greet peers or educators

• They avoid eye contact completely

• They don’t have simple back-and-forth conversational skills

• They freeze when asked a direct question, even something fun

Why is This Happening?

Covid lockdowns changed childhood for many little ones. Their early years were spent away from playgrounds, playgroups, and everyday community interactions. Babies didn’t see adults smiling under masks. Toddlers missed out on social practice with peers. Young children lost their natural opportunities to read facial cues, problem-solve disagreements, or just chat about nonsense with neighbours at the shops.

But it’s not just kids. All of us are feeling it.

Think about it:

• How often do you email instead of call?

• Do you avoid small talk in public spaces?

• When was the last time you spoke to the person next to you on the train or bus?

We’re becoming more socially avoidant as a society. Even as adults, simple conversation strategies feel harder, and sitting in silence feels easier.

Why It’s a Serious Concern

Social skills aren’t just “nice to have.” They’re vital for:

✔️ Building friendships and belonging

✔️ Problem-solving and conflict resolution

✔️ Future job interviews and opportunities

✔️ Feeling confident in the world

If we lose the art of small talk, eye contact, and simple back-and-forth conversation, we risk raising a generation who feel anxious and disconnected in face-to-face moments.

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What Can We Do?

💛 Model social skills

Narrate your day out loud, greet people in shops, chat to neighbours and involve your kids.

💛 Practise conversation turn-taking

At meals or in play, take turns asking and answering simple questions.

💛 Encourage eye contact gently

Don’t force it, but sit face-to-face when talking so it feels natural.

💛 Limit screens and prioritise real human interaction

Screens aren’t evil, but they can’t replace the micro-interactions that build social confidence.

The Gen Z stare might be buffering time but it’s also a sign that many young people are finding real-life interaction harder than ever before. Some see it as rude, others see it as self-protection. Either way, for our little ones, we can change this trajectory by intentionally teaching and modelling the social skills that make life feel connected, safe, and joyful.

✨ If you’re worried about your child’s social development or communication confidence, I’m here to help. Book a parent coaching session through my website or email me anytime at

jessie@jessiemaris.com. Together, we can build strong, thriving humans for the future.

With care,

Jessie 💖