“KIDS these days” — it’s a phrase every generation utters with a sigh, but lately, the critique seems sharper — entitled, impatient, ungrateful. And while some of these labels are exaggerated or unfair, there is growing concern among parents, educators, and employers in the Philippines that many young people today feel they are owed success without the sweat.
Is this sense of entitlement real? Where did it come from? And more importantly, how can we respond — not just with criticism, but with wisdom and action?
Walk through a college campus or scroll through TikTok, and you’ll see a confident youth — sometimes brazenly so. Many young Filipinos now speak openly about what they deserve: better pay, better work conditions, better mental health support, better opportunities. On one hand, this assertiveness is a welcome break from a culture long plagued by “kaulaw” and silent suffering. On the other hand, some express this in ways that seem detached from the realities of hard work, humility, and patience.
In the workplace, HR managers speak of applicants who expect high salaries fresh out of college, decline feedback, or leave jobs abruptly when things get difficult. Parents often complain that their teenagers are unwilling to do chores or make sacrifices. Teachers find it harder to maintain authority in classrooms where students question rules and demand flexibility.
But before we jump to judgment, we need to understand the roots of this behavior. What’s fueling the fire?
Overindulgent Parenting – In many Filipino households, especially among OFW families, love is expressed through material giving. Parents who grew up in hardship often say, “Di ko gusto ma-agian sa akong anak ang kalisod nga ako na-agian.” This admirable intention sometimes leads to overprotection, low expectations for accountability, and an unwillingness to say “no.” The result? Children raised without resilience.
The Rise of Instant Gratification – Technology has rewired attention spans and patience levels. With food, transport, and entertainment all a few taps away, young people are used to getting what they want, when they want it. This convenience culture bleeds into their expectations in life: quick success, instant validation, fast solutions.
Social Media and Comparison Culture – Instagram and TikTok are highlight reels. When youth see influencers their age driving cars, traveling the world, or starting businesses, they can feel entitled to the same — without seeing the hard work (or luck) behind it. This fuels unrealistic expectations and dissatisfaction with slow, steady progress.
The Misinterpretation of Empowerment – Modern narratives around self-love, mental health, and empowerment are crucial — but sometimes misinterpreted. “Don’t settle” becomes “I refuse to struggle.” “Know your worth” becomes “I won’t accept criticism.” True empowerment includes discipline, growth through discomfort, and humility — values that sometimes get lost in translation.
What Can Be Done?
This isn’t a hopeless picture. Entitlement, at its root, is a cry for meaning, identity, and value. The challenge is to guide this energy in the right direction.
- Model Resilience, Not Martyrdom
Older generations often glorify suffering — “Sa panahon namo…” — but simply recounting past hardships doesn’t teach grit. What’s more effective is modeling perseverance, balance, and the joy of working hard toward something worthwhile.
- Encourage Earned Confidence
Let’s teach youth that confidence isn’t a birthright — it’s built. Instead of praising talent, praise effort. Instead of giving rewards unconditionally, tie them to goals and discipline. Let them fail, and let them learn.
- Redefine Empowerment
Parents and educators need to anchor the language of empowerment in responsibility. Yes, speak up — but also listen. Yes, prioritize mental health — but understand that discomfort is not always trauma. Yes, dream big — but be willing to start small.
- Reconnect Them with Purpose
Many youths feel entitled because they feel lost. They’re chasing lifestyles, not legacies. Schools, churches, and communities must help young people find a sense of mission beyond self — through service, mentorship, and deeper reflection on what really matters.
Today’s Filipino youth are not broken. They are bold, connected, and passionate. But they need direction — not derision. They need guidance, not guilt-tripping. Entitlement is not the enemy; apathy is. If we can channel their fire into purpose, the same “entitled” generation could become the most empowered, responsible, and transformative one yet.
And that’s not just wishful thinking. That’s a challenge — for them, and for all of us.
