Youth as risk

In Turkey, youth aged between 15-29 years old (29% of the population) is seen by some as a demographical time-bomb. The desires, emotions and ideas of these youth are regarded with some apprehension. The idealism of youth is perceived as a risk. Youth has a capacity to transgress and destroy existing social values and create real change, for better or for worse. Therefore the mainstream way in which institutions deal with youth seems more a matter of controlling youth and making them fit into preconceived notions of what constitutes a good citizen, than one of supporting youth to find their own voice. Youth are not supported sufficiently to explore their own capacities and develop their self-confidence, creativity and skills.