The report, “Diagnosis of Youth,” prepared by the Polish Society for Social Policy for the Education Ministry, covers people aged 15-29 and says Generation Z is more individualistic, diverse and digitally immersed than previous generations, but also more sensitive and less self-confident.
“Gen Z is overloaded at school and at home, overstimulated, stressed and addicted to screens,” the report said. It added that young people have smaller social networks, enter relationships less often, plan life more cautiously and are less likely to plan starting a family, while at the same time looking to the future with optimism.
Family remains the main source of support, but increasingly also passes on chronic anxiety about the future, generating pressure and psychological strain, the report said. It found that 60% of young people experience stress and overload, while 78% of teenagers aged 15-18 fear professional failure.
At the same time, 74% of young adults aged 19-29 expect their life situation to improve. But that optimism does not translate into stable self-worth or lasting relationships, the report said. Only 39% of students aged 15-18 declared a positive attitude toward themselves, while loneliness affects 38% of teenagers and 42% of young adults.
Peer relations are increasingly becoming a source of stress and violence, the report said, with 62% of teenagers affected by bullying and 25%-35% by online violence.
After 2020, there was a systemic decline in the mental well-being of the young generation, the report said. Nearly half of teenagers, 46%, have extremely low self-esteem, while depressive symptoms affect about 40% of secondary school students.
Demand for professional help was declared by 43% of young adults, but only 22% said they actually received support.
The report said schools increasingly function as a “node of tensions” between students, parents and teachers. For nearly 70% of young people, school is a source of daily stress.
“Only one in three students believes school prepares them for cooperation and coping with stress,” it said.
The report also pointed to unstable employment and housing barriers delaying independence. Around 35% of people under 30 work on temporary or precarious contracts, compared with 15% of the overall population, while 58% of young workers feel employment instability.
It said 53% of young adults aged 25-34 still live with their parents, while high housing costs in large cities absorb between 35% and 55% of disposable income, making financial independence unattainable for many.
As a result, key life decisions are being postponed. Among people aged 18-29, 48% cited the lack of their own housing as the main reason for delaying parenthood.
(jh)
Source: PAP