Same sex relationships, sexual assault, teens questioning traditional gender roles. For a long time, all of these things were considered tabooForbidden due to social rules of behaviour. in society. But this weekend, millions of teenagers (and adults) discussed them openly as they watched the final series of Sex Education, a show which has made embracing previously forbidden topics its mission.

Critics have dubbed it the "teen utopiaThe word was coined by Thomas More (1478 - 1535) in his 1516 work of that name. In Greek, utopia means no place.," a part of the new wave of "kind TV" aimed at teenagers and young people, alongside shows like Heartstopper. This marks a significant departure from the often unkind pop culture of the 2000s, highlighted by the recent allegations against Russell BrandAn English actor and comedian. In 2023, he was accused of sexual assault. . This shift has led some to question whether Generation Z deserves the title of the kindest generation.

Some argue yes. They point to the fact that Gen Z, born between 1996 and 2010, is more accepting and open-minded than any generation before. They actively engage in social justice movements and demonstrate concern for the environment.

For instance, a 2022 survey by the Pew Research Center found that Gen Zers and millennialsPeople who reached adulthood in the early 21st Century. are equally likely to believe that racial unfairness exists, a view held by about two-thirds of them. This contrasts with roughly half of Generation XThe demographic cohort in between Baby Boomers and Millennials. It includes people born between 1965 and 1980. and BoomersBoomers, or baby boomers, are the group of people between 1946 and 1964. They were born during a baby boom directly after World War Two. , and even fewer from the Silent GenerationPeople who were born between 1925 and 1945. .

According to StanfordA top university in the USA. scholar Roberta Katz, a typical Gen Zer is a self-driven individual who deeply cares about others, strives for diversity, values collaboration and seeks non-hierarchical leadership.

However, there are counterarguments. Gen Z is often criticised for being "illiberal" and "intolerant" towards those who hold differing views. They are more inclined than older generations to support censorshipPreventing or stopping speech, writing or communication that is considered harmful or "inconvenient". of speech and "cancel culture".

For instance, a Channel Four study found that a quarter of respondents aged 13 to 24 have "very little tolerance for people with beliefs I disagree with". Nearly half agreed that "some people deserved to be cancelled", while just a third of those over the age of 25 expressed the same opinion.

Sex Education and Heartstopper resonate with Gen Z because they align with their values. These shows are inclusive, accepting and promote kindness and compassion.

For example, Sex Education features a diverse cast of characters representing various sexual orientations and gender identities. It addresses sensitive topics like bullying, mental health and sexual assault in a compassionate and informative manner.

Meanwhile, Heartstopper portrays a love story between two teenage boys and is celebrated for its realistic and positive depiction of same-sex relationships.

Both of these shows play a pivotal role in promoting acceptance and understanding among their audience, demonstrating that kindness and compassion are achievable, even in challenging circumstances.

It is crucial to recognise that Gen Z is still a young generation, and their values and attitudes are evolving. They might become more tolerant and open-minded as they grow older, or they could trend toward greater illiberalism and intolerance. Time will reveal the path Gen Z ultimately chooses.

Yes: Gen Z is often considered the kindest generation. They prioritise tolerance, social justice and kindness more than previous generations.

No: Despite their emphasis on kindness, Gen Z also exhibits tendencies towards intolerance and cancel culture. Some argue that their inclination to silence opposing views may contradict any claim to be the kindest generation.

Or... Gen Z's kindness is a complex issue. They champion tolerance and compassion but are also criticised for being intolerant of differing perspectives. But its members are young - so the full truth is not yet known.