Teenagers' participation in the public life in Italy: Insights for education from a web survey

Abstract

Purpose: The essay wonders about forms and ways of participation in the public sphere of adolescents. The investigated practices include individual and collective participation in different contexts (in the community, at school, among peers), in physical or web presence. Design/ methodology/ approach: A web survey was carried out involving about 1,300 adolescents (14-17 years old) in five Italian urban contexts, different in size and geographical location. Findings: Cognitive and actionable findings regarding adolescents’ participation. Research limitations/ implications: Self-completed questionnaire, involvement of adolescents not attending project partner schools, not statistically representative samples but good enough for our particular purpose. Practical implications: Empirical evidence a) provide deep knowledge of adolescents, b) identify constructive approaches to promote participatory skills and full and conscious involvement in community life, c) are useful for local project partners and other operators involved in adolescents’ education promoting community-based interventions for well-being and preventing the disadvantaged situation in young people, and d) will represent the basis of local research training workshops.

Keywords

• Civic engagement
• social involvement
• activism
• manifest participation
• peer relations