Polish teenagers are stressed, overloaded, and afraid of professional failure. Young adults enter adulthood later, do not have a stable self-esteem, and are less likely to enter into relationships. At the same time, Generation Z is optimistic about the future – according to the “Youth Diagnosis”.
The diagnosis was prepared by the Polish Society for Social Policy on behalf of the Ministry of National Education. It focuses on people aged 15-29, with a division into youth (15-18) and young adults (19-29). The population of people aged 15-29 in Poland is over 5.73 million.
Generation Z diagnosis
“Generation Z is significantly different from the previous one, it is 'even more' individualistic, diverse and digital. It is more aware of its mental states and needs, it is less self-confident and more sensitive. Children are overloaded at school and at home, overstimulated, stressed and addicted to screens. They have a smaller network of relationships, enter into relationships less often. They plan their life strategies more carefully, enter adulthood later, fewer of them plan to start a family. At the same time, they are optimistic about the future. future and they are convinced that they will cope with it,” we read in the diagnosis.
“Generation Z has a broader spectrum of ‘personalities’ and is more diverse than any before it. It was not shaped by any generational rebellion or event, but by the accumulation of phenomena in the environment. Adolescents and young adults perceive themselves as quickly adapting to reality, able to name their emotional states, and technologically proficient. “Zets are not a generation of rebellion – they want a peaceful life in accordance with their needs,” it was noted. It was added that young people today are more similar to their peers in other countries than to their parents.
Fear for the future
The diagnosis shows that the family remains the main source of support for young people, but increasingly transfers chronic fear about the future to children, generating pressure to start and mental overload. “The scale of stress and overload (60%), fear of professional failure among teenagers aged 15-18 (78%), and emotional neglect (approx. 25%) shows that the protective mechanism is eroding,” we read. It was indicated that some families do not have sufficient emotional competences to support children in coping with tension, which – as noted – contributes to lower self-esteem and the increase in mental crises.
At the same time, the diagnosis noted that the young generation has capital of optimism and a sense of agency. 74 percent young adults (19-29 years old) expect their life situation to improve. It was also indicated that this resource does not translate into stable self-esteem or lasting relational networks: only 39 percent students aged 15-18 declare a positive attitude towards themselves, and the scope of young people's everyday social relationships is narrowing. The feeling of loneliness affects 38 percent. teenagers and 42 percent young adults. It was noted that peer relationships are increasingly becoming a source of stress and peer violence (affecting 62 percent of teenagers) and online violence (25-35 percent).
What awaits us?
Almost 44 percent people aged 18-29 are not in any relationship, and every third person aged 19-24 does not maintain intimate relationships.
“Young people perceive building lasting relationships and starting a family as requiring a high level of financial and emotional stability that many of them do not have,” we read.
The diagnosis indicated that after 2020, there was a systemic regression in the mental well-being of the young generation – almost half of teenagers (46%) have extremely low self-esteem, and depressive symptoms affect approximately 40%. secondary school students. Self-destructive behaviors are on the rise. 17 percent students aged 13-17 self-harmed in the last 12 months, and in the period 2013-2024 the number of suicide attempts among young people aged 13-18 increased approximately sixfold. 43% declare the need for professional help. young adults, while only 22% receive real support.
The diagnosis noted that school is increasingly acting as a “bond of tension” in student-parent-teacher relationships. For nearly 70 percent For young people, the school environment is a source of everyday stress. “Low support for the development of social competences contributes to peer isolation and exclusion, which is experienced by 25 percent of students. The school environment is increasingly becoming a space for the reproduction of peer violence – almost two thirds of students experience bullying, and every third admits to using it,” we read.
“The education system effectively develops cognitive competences, but to a limited extent it shapes adaptive, relational skills and future competences. Only every third student believes that school prepares him for cooperation and coping with stress,” it was noted.
Young people on the labor market
It was pointed out that young Poles enter the labor market relatively quickly and have an increasing level of competences, but their professional situation is characterized by high instability. Over 60 percent has difficulty finding a satisfying job – a job that provides meaning, flexibility and work-life balance. 76 percent considers work-life balance to be more important than salary.
Young adults are overrepresented in unstable forms of employment. About 35 percent people up to 30 years of age work on temporary or precarious contracts, compared to 15 percent the entire population. Lack of employment stability is felt by 58 percent. young workers.
“The delay in young people becoming independent is caused by a combination of structural factors: a deficit of adaptive competences, employment instability, limited financial resources and housing barriers in the form of high purchase prices and the rent gap. This mechanism blocks the transition to full autonomy,” we read in the diagnosis.
“Nesting” is doing well
It stated that 53 percent young adults aged 25-34 still live with their parents, and the “nesting” phenomenon has reached the level of 39%. It was noticed that the high costs of renting and purchasing apartments in large cities consume from 35%. up to 55 percent disposable income, which – as noted – makes financial independence unattainable for a large part of the generation. The rent gap affects approximately 35%. young households, perpetuating dependence on the family of origin.
The diagnosis indicated that the consequence of the housing blockade is the postponement of key life decisions – 48%. people aged 18-29 indicate the lack of their own apartment as the main reason for postponing parenthood. “Housing problems are also becoming one of the most important expectations towards the state – for every fourth young Pole it is a public policy priority, more important than the labor market or social transfers,” we read.
“Youth Diagnosis” is a document combining analyzes with quantitative and qualitative research. The analytical part included a review of 126 national research reports, 62 international reports and analyses, and 32 public strategies and programs concerning children, adolescents and young adults, implemented both in European Union countries and outside Europe. The empirical part consisted of research using the CAWI method (self-completed online survey), in which a total of 5,007 respondents participated: young people aged 15-18 and 19-29, parents of students and young people, employees of public institutions and people active in youth organizations. (PAP)
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