How do young people in Serbia see themselves – and the world around them? How much do they believe in democracy, and how much in democratic institutions? Why are as many as 60% of young people working outside their field of education, and how does this affect their perception of the future?The Youth Study in Serbia offers insights into how adolescents and young adults (ages 15–29) perceive education, employment, migration, social values, as well as political and societal developments. The findings reveal a complex relationship between personal optimism and societal pessimism, between a strong need for security and a desire for freedom, and a lack of trust in political structures.Young people are often exposed to psychological violence, and they identify social media and reality TV culture as major sources of risk.The results of this study call for reflection and dialogue: how can we better understand young people – and how can we include them as active agents of social change?