Gen Alpha kids reveal who their heroes really are – and it’s not celebs
A new report reveals children are redefining what it means to be a hero in 2025
Forget capes and superpowers – today’s kids are looking closer to home when it comes to their real-life heroes. A new report from Disney On Ice has found that children see parents, carers, teachers and emergency workers as their true role models, while celebrities and influencers barely get a look in.
Gen Alpha's heroes might surprise you
The study, which surveyed 2,000 UK parents and children aged 5–11, found that nearly 4 in 10 children (39%) consider their parents or caregivers to be heroes. Emergency service workers came close behind at 35%, and teachers were next at 24%. Just 9% said YouTubers, celebrities or footballers were heroic.
Anna Colton, a child psychologist says that the shift is hugely positive: “It’s wonderful to see children viewing the adults around them as heroes. It tells us they feel safe and protected by the very people who care for them day to day – and that sense of safety is exactly what, as a clinical child psychologist, I want for children.”
Kids value bravery and kindness over superpowers
When asked which qualities make someone a hero, kids placed bravery (57%) at the very top, followed by helping others (44%) and kindness (28%). Traditional superhero traits, like speed (18%) and strength (41%), came much further down the list.
Colton says these choices show a big shift in what children value: “The fact that they value kindness and care is especially significant: children who grow up experiencing this are far more likely to show it to others.”
Far from the flawless superheroes on screen, most children (82%) agreed that heroes don’t need capes, and nearly 8 in 10 (79%) said heroes can even show weaknesses.
Colton believes that’s a hugely important lesson: “Children are beginning to view vulnerability as something positive. This will help them feel able to admit when they are struggling or need support. These are vital life skills that build resilience and protect wellbeing throughout life.”
Kids see themselves as heroes too
The research also asked children whether they’d ever shown bravery or selflessness themselves. More than half (62%) said yes – and younger children were the most likely to say they’d been heroic, with 70% of five-year-olds saying they regularly or sometimes showed heroic traits.
Athlete and British Olympian Montell Douglas, who is supporting the report, said: “As a young athlete, I was inspired by the people around me – coaches, teammates, and family – who showed resilience and drive every day.”
And athlete and star of Gladiators Zack George added: “For me, strength isn’t just physical. You can train as hard as you want, but the heroes who stand out are the ones who bring kindness and positivity to the people around them.”
The report has been launched ahead of Disney On Ice presents Find Your Hero, which will tour the UK this winter. The show promises to celebrate what it really means to be a hero, with Mickey, Minnie and friends sharing timeless Disney tales on the ice.
Disney On Ice presents Find Your Hero tours UK arenas from 29 October 2025 – 4 January 2026, visiting Birmingham, Nottingham, Newcastle, Aberdeen, Belfast, Manchester, Sheffield and London. Tickets are available now at www.disneyonice.co.uk.