Adolescents today face a myriad of challenges that affect their mental health and well-being.
Recognizing the need for comprehensive support, the Stronger Youth project embarked on a mission to understand these issues deeply and develop effective solutions. The project, funded by the European Union under Erasmus+ Programme, aims at developing peer-mentoring resources to prevent depressive disorders among young people, with an emphasis on utilizing their peers for support. This will involve enlisting resilient young individuals as volunteers while equipping them with the necessary tools to assist their at-risk peers in dealing with depression.
Our research involved extensive bibliographic and empirical studies, and the findings will drive the creation of an impactful tool aimed at empowering young people.
To understand the needs and preferences of today’s adolescents, PRISM Impresa Sociale, the project lead partner, conducted a detailed questionnaire in two secondary schools in Palermo and Termini Imerese (Italy), engaging 78 students aged 14 to 18. This questionnaire included both multiple-choice and open-ended questions, covering various aspects of adolescents’ lives such as life satisfaction, perceived problems, contextual influences, and help-seeking preferences.
Responses showed that young people mainly seek help from youth workers, friends and intimate partners. 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 schools supportive, academic pressure and unsupportive teachers cause stress. Family support is vital, but lack of support and parental pressure are significant risks. Open communication within families is key.
Digital technology offers resources but also risks like cyberbullying and addiction. Educating adolescents on safe internet use is essential.
Overall, the questionnaire underscores the complex landscape of adolescent life and the need for a multifaceted approach to support their mental health and well-being.
Making use of these insights, the Stronger Youth project will develop a competence assessment tool to enable young people to assess their strengths and weaknesses in terms of social skills online.
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