It’s not surprising that parents and family have the most important influence on how today’s young adults grow up. Family impacts how they face challenges, find emotional balance, and form spiritual and religious beliefs.
But many people don’t realize how much the relationships with adults outside of family — safeguarded by the right protective factors — also make a strong difference in Gen Z’s overall development.
A vast majority of teens — seven out of 10 ages 13 to 17 — say they have at least one non-family adult who cares about them. Most say they have at least one adult outside their family whom they can count on when they need them. And more than half have an adult confidant — someone they can talk to about matters of significance to them.
This is promising, right? Yes — but notice how these numbers drop as teens age. By the time young adults reach ages 22 to 24, only 56% say they have a non-family adult they can count on.
What’s happening to these relationships? Why are college-aged students feeling more detached from older adults?
Here’s one thing to consider: As they move into adulthood, young adults with more education are more likely to have an older adult they can count on. Pursuing education beyond high school — whether that’s college, vocational training, or something similar — expands people’s relational support network, providing them with an additional safety net and sense of security beyond family.
Here’s something else to think about: When it comes to helping Gen Z flourish, it’s not just the quantity but also the quality of relationships that matter. Having many people in their lives is great, but it’s not as important as having a non-family-member adult “who really listens to them.” Young adults with fewer but deeper relationships may feel more secure than those with many superficial relationships.
Ways to Help: One way we can help teens keep strong relationships outside of family is by encouraging them to continue learning. It doesn’t matter how. Pursuing a certification, applying to a university, signing up for a trade school, or doing an apprenticeship may help them find mentors and older friends who can keep them from feeling isolated or lost during those critical years.