Exploring how journeys to adulthood are changing for Generation Z
Young people today are navigating a more complex and uncertain world. Traditional milestones— leaving home, finishing education, starting work — are happening later and in different ways. Growing up is often shaped by their home background and where young people live, which influences the opportunities and challenges they face along the way.
Grown up? dives into how young people aged 14 to 24 are making the journey to adulthood—and what this means for policy, research and wider society.
Our four key themes
We face critical gaps in understanding how Generation Z is experiencing this phase of life —and how policies and systems can better support them throughout their journeys to adulthood.
Grown up? explores the realities of becoming an adult across four interconnected areas:
- Pathways to independence: What helps young people move forward, particularly without financial support from family and carers? We examine the social, psychological, and economic steps to adulthood.
- Education to work: What does meaningful, sustainable work look like for Gen Z? We explore how to better support young people, especially those with disrupted journeys to adulthood.
- Digital lives: How are young people living, learning and connecting in online spaces—and what does this mean for policy and support?
- Mental health and well-being: How do life transitions impact young people’s mental health and well-being? We look at the challenges—and what can help.
