(ANS – Rome) – Gen Z finds itself caught between the desire to build its own future and widespread emotional vulnerability, marked by a disenchanted view of adults—who are no longer seen as role models—yet accompanied by a clear-eyed awareness of the world. This is the picture outlined by Salesiani per il Sociale, a network of associations committed to the care and protection of minors and young people.
The survey, conducted by AstraRicerche on a sample of nearly 1,100 young people ages 14 to 20, offers a rich and multifaceted portrait of the first segment of Italian Gen Z. While just over half of respondents say they are satisfied with themselves as individuals (55.6%), one in two (50.5%) report feeling stressed and under pressure. This sense of strain is more pronounced among young women (58%, compared to 43% of young men) and among those living in families facing financial hardship (59%).
For more than thirty years, Salesiani per il Sociale has worked in contexts where young people are most at risk of marginalization. To continue this mission in an increasingly effective way, from January 19 to February 1, 2026, the organization is promoting the awareness and fundraising campaign “Let’s Not Leave the Most Vulnerable Children in the Dark.” Anyone can contribute by calling from a landline or sending a text message to the charity number 45598.
But what worries young Italians the most? Above all, the cost of living (48.8%) and the stagnation of wages (38.5%). Wars (40.8%) are perceived as an immediate threat, ranking higher than environmental concerns and gender-related issues. These fears are reflected in young people’s emotional well-being: while 60.9% of respondents report good physical health, this figure drops to 42.2% when it comes to mental health. Another 42.2% describe their mental health as only fair or barely adequate, while 15.5% rate it as poor or very poor.
These findings are echoed in the growing demand for psychological support observed within the Salesian social network, particularly in family homes. Multidisciplinary teams—made up of educators and psychologists—ensure a continuous, 24-hour presence, offering attentive listening, stability, and reliable points of reference.
“…only 50.2% consider adults—parents, teachers, and educators—to be a real help in making choices and achieving their goals.”
Looking ahead, most young people expect to have a stable job within the next ten years (64.7%). However, only 50.2% consider adults—parents, teachers, and educators—to be a real help in making choices and 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 strengthen the three pillars of Salesiani per il Sociale—education, hospitality, and support for schooling and entry into the workforce—so that today’s vulnerable children can become tomorrow’s resilient adults through opportunities and positive relationships that foster confidence and growth.
“The results of the research confirm what we observe every day in the most vulnerable contexts,” emphasized 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 deeply affect their development. For them, access to educational services, safe environments, and meaningful relationships is not optional—it is essential. Investing today in the care and support of children and adolescents means building more aware and resilient adults, capable of contributing positively to the society of tomorrow. Our commitment is to ensure professional and continuous interventions that help them regain stability, confidence, and concrete prospects for the future.”
Each year, Salesiani per il Sociale reaches more than 100,000 beneficiaries, providing protection and support through a network active in over 600 local communities throughout Italy, with 97 socio-educational services, including 33 family homes y 45 day centers. In these settings, children and young people find protection, a sense of family, and educational figures who help them grow in a safe, healthy, and stimulating environment. Through targeted initiatives, the Salesiani per il Sociale network combats educational poverty and protects vulnerable minors, ensuring them opportunities for development and a brighter future.
The “Let’s Not Leave the Most Vulnerable Children in the Dark” campaign is supported by RAI, Mediaset, La7, and Sky.
For more information: http://www.salesianiperilsociale.it