Today’s adolescents face a range of challenges that impact their mental health and well-being. Recognizing the need for comprehensive support, the Stronger Youth project – Enhancing young people’s social and soft skills through peer mentoring – funded by the European Union under the Erasmus+ Program, aims to develop peer-mentoring resources to prevent depressive disorders among young people by leveraging peer support. This initiative involves engaging resilient young volunteers and equipping them with the necessary tools to assist their peers at risk of depression.
To better understand the needs and preferences of today’s adolescents, PRISM Impresa Sociale, the project’s lead partner, conducted a detailed survey in two high schools in Palermo and its province, involving 78 students aged 14 to 18. The survey included multiple-choice and open-ended questions, covering various aspects of adolescent life, such as life satisfaction, perceived problems, contextual influences, and help-seeking preferences.
The responses revealed that young people primarily seek help from youth workers, friends, and intimate partners, with a strong preference for face-to-face interactions over digital ones. They use a variety of coping strategies, relying on support from friends, family, and personal methods.
Schools and families play crucial yet complex roles. While many students find school to be a source of support, the demands they feel they must meet are perceived as a major cause of stress. Family support is vital, but excessive parental pressure represents a significant risk. For this reason, promoting open communication within families is essential.
Overall, the survey highlighted the complexity of adolescent life and the need for a multifaceted approach to support their mental health and well-being.
Building on these insights, the Stronger Youth project will develop a competency assessment tool, allowing young people to evaluate their strengths and weaknesses in social skills through an online self-assessment platform.
For more information and updates on our initiatives, visit www.strongeryouth.eu and follow our social media pages.
Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. The European Union cannot be held responsible for them.