The survey, conducted by AstraRicerche on a sample of almost 1,100 young people between the ages of 14 and 20, offers a rich and multifaceted portrait of the first part of Italian Gen Z: while just over half of the sample feel satisfied with themselves as people (55.6%), 1 in 2 (50.5%) feel stressed and under pressure, a feeling that is more pronounced among females (58% vs 43% of males) and among those living in families with financial difficulties (59%).
For over thirty years, ‘Salesiani per il Sociale’ has been working in contexts where young people are most at risk of marginalisation: to continue in this direction in an increasingly effective manner, from 19 January to 1 February 2026, ‘Salesiani per il Sociale’ is promoting the awareness and fundraising campaign ‘et’s not leave the most vulnerable children in the dark’: Anyone can donate by calling from a landline or sending an SMS to the charity number 45598.
But what worries young Italians the most? Above all, the cost of living (48.8%) and the stagnation of workers’ earnings (38.5%). Wars (40.8%) are perceived as an immediate threat, surpassing environmental concerns and gender issues. These fears are reflected in some way in emotional well-being: while 60.9% of respondents report good physical health, this figure drops to 42.2% when it comes to mental health, with another 42.2% rating it as only adequate or barely fair and 15.5% describing it as poor or even very poor. The survey data is reflected in the growing demand for psychological support reported by the Salesian social network, especially in family homes: multidisciplinary teams, made up of educators and psychologists, guarantee a continuous presence, 24 hours a day, offering a listening ear, stability and points of reference.
Looking to the future, the majority of young people expect to have a stable job in 10 years’ time (64.7%), but only 50.2% consider adults (family, teachers, educators) to be a real help in their choices and in achieving their goals. In short, adults are not always perceived as effective guides for the future. Precisely to bridge this gap, the ‘Let’s not leave the most vulnerable children in the dark’ campaign aims to support the three pillars of ‘Salesiani per il Sociale’ – education, hospitality and support in studying and entering the world of work – so that today’s vulnerable children can become tomorrow’s strong adults thanks to opportunities and positive relationships that help them grow with confidence and resilience.
‘The results of the research confirm what we observe every day in the most vulnerable areas,’ emphasises Fr Francesco Preite, president of ‘Salesiani per il Sociale’. ‘Many young people, especially those living in difficult family, social or economic situations, face pressures and uncertainties that profoundly affect their growth. For them, access to educational services, safe spaces and meaningful relationships is not an accessory support, but a necessity. Investing in the care and support of children and adolescents today means building more aware, resilient adults who are capable of contributing positively to tomorrow’s society. Our commitment is to ensure professional and continuous interventions that help them regain stability, confidence and concrete prospects for the future.’
Every year, ‘Salesiani per il Sociale’ reaches over 100,000 beneficiaries, offering protection and support through a network active in more than 600 local areas throughout Italy, with 97 socio-educational services, including 33 family homes and 45 day centres. In these places, children and young people find protection, family warmth and educational figures who help them grow up in a safe, healthy and stimulating environment. Through targeted projects, the ‘Salesiani per il Sociale’ association network combats educational poverty and protects vulnerable minors, ensuring them opportunities for development and a better future.
The ‘Let’s not leave the most vulnerable children in the dark’ campaign is supported by Rai, Mediaset, La7 and Sky.
To find out more: www.salesianiperilsociale.it
