Focus Group with Teenagers

🟣 CERV Project – 3rd Youth Focus Group with Teenagers in Pissouri

📅 Saturday, 17 May 2025
🕓 16:00 – 18:00
📍 Pissouri Multicultural Centre
🔗 Work Package 2 – Learn More

On Saturday, May 17th, we continued our research for the CERV project (Work Package 2) with the third youth focus group meeting, held at the Pissouri Multicultural Centre from 16:00 to 18:00. This time, the conversation centered around the voices of 6 local teenagers aged 12 to 15, offering valuable insights into the experiences, concerns, and aspirations of younger adolescents in our community.

Using the structured framework of the Cities4YOUth focus questions, we explored a wide range of topics relevant to their daily lives and their view of the world around them. Key areas of discussion included:

• What it means to grow up today as a teenager in Cyprus

• School life, learning, and future dreams

• Friendship, free time, and feeling safe in the city

• Mental health awareness and where they seek support

• Fairness, inclusion, and how they see their role in the community

Although younger in age, the participants showed great maturity, creativity, and critical thinking. Their reflections shed light on how young teenagers perceive their surroundings and what improvements they would like to see in their city—especially in terms of public spaces, school support, and opportunities to express themselves.

This focus group contributes to a broader picture in our research, capturing perspectives from across the youth age spectrum. As with previous meetings, the feedback gathered will inform our final conclusions and contribute to the promotion of inclusive, youth-oriented policies and services under the values of the CERV programme.

A big thank you to the six young participants who joined us with such energy and honesty. Their voices matter—and we are here to make sure they are heard. 🎤💡

Cities4YOUth – 2nd Youth Focus Group in Pissouri

Local Dialogue with youth

Date: Saturday, 17 May 2025
Time: 16:00 – 18:00
Location: Pissouri Multicultural Centre

Participants: 6 young people, aged 12 to 15, from Pissouri and surrounding areas

As part of the ongoing efforts within the CERV Project's Work Package 2 – Learn More, the third youth focus group was successfully held at the Pissouri Multicultural Centre on Saturday, 17 May 2025, from 16:00 to 18:00. This session brought together six local teenagers aged 12 to 15 for a structured yet open conversation about their lives, thoughts, and hopes for the future.

The discussion followed the thematic framework provided by the Cities4YOUth guide, touching on topics such as youth identity, education, safety, mental health, community participation, and more. While the group was somewhat reserved at first, with some shyness noticeable, the informal and respectful atmosphere helped them gradually open up and share deeply personal and often insightful reflections.

Main Findings & Key Discussion Themes

Modern Youth Identity

The participants discussed how they see themselves in comparison to previous generations. They identified key generational differences, including greater access to information, the influence of social media, and shifting values around self-expression and lifestyle.

"Our parents don't get why we dress the way we do or listen to different music."
"We care more about mental health, friends, and being accepted."

They also noted that, unlike past generations, today's youth are more exposed to global trends and issues—both a strength and a source of pressure. There was also an emphasis on friendship, belonging, and the desire to feel seen and understood, not just by peers, but by adults and institutions as well.

Education: Challenges & Dreams

A significant portion of the discussion focused on school life. Several participants felt disconnected from the educational system, stating that it often felt rigid, uninspiring, or irrelevant to their real-life concerns.

"They don't teach us how to deal with emotions or prepare for the future."
"We need better teachers—some don't respect us, and we don't feel heard."

There was particular criticism of how some teachers handle students' challenges. One participant recounted being ignored or treated unfairly when asking for help, leading to a feeling of being misunderstood and unsupported. Suggestions included more engaging lessons, practical life skills, and emotional support systems within schools.

Mental Health Awareness

Mental health was brought up as an important issue. While many recognized that young people today talk more openly about emotions, there is still a lack of trustworthy spaces or adults they feel they can go to when struggling.

"Sometimes we feel low, but we don't know where to go or if people will take us seriously."
"We wish schools talked more about mental health, not just grades."

Participants acknowledged the importance of having someone to talk to, but expressed concern that neither schools nor families always offer safe channels for such conversations.

Addictions & Screen Time

When asked about common risky behaviors or addictions, the group unanimously mentioned social media, mobile phone use, gaming, and occasionally smoking or vaping.

"Phones help us stay in touch, but people are addicted. It's hard to stop scrolling."
"Some people use social media to escape reality."

They discussed the duality of technology—as a helpful tool and a mental drain—and emphasized the need for balance and guidance rather than restrictions.

Public Spaces, Activities & Free Time

A repeated concern was the lack of youth-friendly spaces in Pissouri. Teenagers felt there were few safe and appealing places for them to meet, relax, or engage in hobbies. Some shared their wish for a Youth Center or areas specifically designed with their needs in mind.

"There's nothing fun for us here. We want music, sports, somewhere to go."
"If there was a youth center, we'd go there instead of just sitting at home."

They expressed enthusiasm for creative events, workshops, and inclusive hangout zones, particularly spaces where they could participate in decision-making or project planning.

Safety: Online, at School, and in the Community

Online safety was a serious issue for many, with multiple participants having either experienced or witnessed cyberbullying. The discussion revealed that not all young people know how or where to seek help, and many remain silent out of fear or shame.

"We know people who've been bullied online. It hurts more than people think."
"There should be more rules and support for online safety."

Offline, most participants generally felt safe in their hometown, though some areas were identified as places to avoid, particularly after dark.

Youth Participation & Representation

When asked if they had ever been involved in youth organizations or community projects, most said no. However, several expressed strong interest in participating if the opportunities were clearer and more accessible.

"We would join things, but we don't know what exists."
"If there was a youth council or event for us to help plan, we'd do it."

They also suggested holding youth-only town halls, where teenagers could speak freely without adults dominating the conversation.

Vision of the Future

When invited to imagine life 5 or 10 years from now, many spoke of professional dreams such as becoming lawyers, teachers, or artists. Others shared personal goals like having a family, owning a home, or moving to a city with more opportunities. Still, many said they would like to stay near their family or community—if the area offered more chances for work, education, and leisure.

"In ten years, I see myself working, living on my own, maybe with kids."
"I want to stay here, but only if things change and we can have a future."

Youth-Friendly City: Suggestions from Teenagers

In a final visioning activity, participants described what would make Pissouri a more youth-friendly town. Suggestions included:

• Building a Youth Center with music, sports, study spaces, and workshops
• Creating more public events for teenagers
• Having fair and kind teachers who understand their emotional needs
• Ensuring safe online environments and support against cyberbullying
• Promoting youth involvement in decision-making processes

"If I were mayor, I'd make sure we had our own space—not just a corner in a library."

This focus group offered important perspectives from a younger demographic—ages 12 to 15—within the broader youth spectrum of the CERV Project. Despite their age, the participants demonstrated maturity, sincerity, and a clear understanding of both their immediate surroundings and future ambitions. They highlighted a strong need for representation, safe spaces, modern education, and community involvement.

Their feedback will contribute to shaping youth-centered strategies and will be incorporated into the final recommendations for youth-inclusive policy within the framework of the CERV programme.

We express our warmest thanks to the six teenagers who participated with honesty, energy, and creativity. Their voices are essential—and we remain committed to ensuring they are both heard and acted upon.