The majority of young people in Pljevlja feel safe in their city, while less than a fifth are dissatisfied with the level of security.
This was shown by data from a survey on the needs of youth, conducted as part of the development of the Youth Strategy of the Municipality of Pljevlja for the period 2025-2027.
On the other hand, more than half of respondents expressed dissatisfaction with health services, while 18,4 percent were satisfied.
Respondents recognize problems with gambling, drug addiction and neglect of mental health. Subsequently, in their responses, they assessed that they also largely recognize lack of information about reproductive health, violence, as well as depression and apathy. Almost 65 percent of respondents are dissatisfied with mental health support, while 81 percent occasionally or often feel the need to talk to a professional. Young people suggest the introduction of psychological counseling centers, regular school consultations, free workshops on mental health and campaigns to reduce stigma.
Research shows that young people want better educational conditions, more employment opportunities, more diverse cultural content, as well as greater support in the areas of mental health and social participation.
The aim of the research was to identify the key challenges faced by young people, as well as their attitudes and needs, so that the Municipality of Pljevlja, based on the data obtained, could create measures and activities that would respond to the expressed needs.
According to the Youth Law, youth are considered persons aged 15 to 30. Monstat data from the 2023 census show that Pljevlja has 24.124 inhabitants, of which about 3.600 are young people, which makes up 15 percent of the total population.
When it comes to general satisfaction with the position of young people in Pljevlja, 39,5 percent of respondents gave an average score (3), which indicates that young people are moderately satisfied, but also that there is significant room for improving the quality of life and opportunities that the city offers them.
The situation is similar when it comes to the formal education system - most respondents (51,9 percent) rated their satisfaction with it as average (3). However, there are more respondents who are dissatisfied or very dissatisfied with formal education than there are those who are satisfied.
In order to improve the formal education system, the largest percentage of respondents believe that working conditions in schools should be improved, teaching staff should be continuously educated in order to use modern teaching methods, and students should be encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities.
A relatively similar percentage of respondents (around 30 percent) believe that it is necessary to encourage peer education, offer participants a greater number of elective subjects and content, promote vocational education, and offer assistance in solving problems if they arise. Smaller percentages of respondents mention the importance of organizing cultural events for young talents, reducing the number of classes, modernizing teaching methods, promoting certain subjects in accordance with students' interests and talents, and educating parents.
Regarding non-formal education, the results show a similar level of dissatisfaction, with the highest share of average grades in respondents' responses.
The largest percentage of respondents (52,4 percent) stated that they were still in the process of education. The next most represented were those who were not employed (28,1%), which is a relatively high percentage and may indicate challenges in youth employment in the local community. Among the skills they considered key for employment, the majority listed knowledge of foreign languages, communication skills, teamwork, motivation, adaptability, quality education, work ethic, computer skills and organizational skills.
Most young people spend their free time on social networks and socializing with friends, while a smaller number participate in the activities of youth organizations. They miss social and entertainment content the most, followed by educational and cultural programs. They follow information about sports and cultural events the most, and they get their information mainly through Instagram and portals.
At the same time, 77,8 percent of young people believe that they have no influence on decisions that affect them, while a third do not participate in community life at all. Less than ten percent of young people participate in the work of the non-governmental sector, while 8,1 percent of respondents are members of youth clubs.
65 percent of respondents are dissatisfied with mental health support, while 81 percent occasionally or often feel the need to talk to a professional. Young people suggest the introduction of psychological counseling centers, regular school consultations, free workshops on mental health, and campaigns to reduce stigma
Most respondents are satisfied with their digital skills, and 75,7 percent use the internet daily for learning and information. However, when it comes to entrepreneurship, young people express moderate dissatisfaction and believe that the Municipality provides insufficient support, while 49 percent believe that there is potential and will among young people to start their own business.
The results of the survey show that young people have a high level of environmental awareness, with 82,7 percent of them considering environmental protection as extremely important, although half are not familiar with local environmental initiatives. They suggest more green spaces, cleaner air and actions that would involve young people in environmental projects.
In the field of culture, 44,3 percent of respondents believe that there are not enough events in Pljevlja, while 82,2 percent want more concerts, exhibitions and theater performances.
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