Leisure trends among young people in Malta

Abstract

This study, Leisure trends among young people in Malta, was carried out for the Office of the Commissioner for Children and Aġenzija Żgħażagħ by Prof. Marilyn Clark and Dr. Joanne Cassar of the University of Malta using data collected by the National Statistics Office. The quantitative study involved 3,000 young people, aged between 13 and 31, and presents the most common types of leisure activities older children and young people engage in, as well as the amount of time they spend on such activities. The study also identifies barriers that hinder wider participation in leisure activities and how the issue of greater accessibility could be addressed. Leisure time is an important part of young people’s lives. Leisure time, well spent, helps young people discover new aspects of their personality and develop their talents. Such leisure time also helps to foster confidence in the transition from childhood to adulthood. The socialization of children and adolescents, and how they behave and interact with others, is shaped in particular by how they spend their leisure time. Leisure time, therefore, is not just an opportunity for play, relaxation and recreation; but also for self-expression and self-control: a part of young people’s lives in which significant amounts of learning and development occur. Leisure time can also afford young people the opportunity of contributing to society and facilitate social change and development. The study was conducted as part of the Office of the Commissioner for Children’s and Aġenzija Żgħażagħ’s ongoing work and commitment to strengthen and further develop the research base on young people in Malta. It is only through ongoing research, data collection and analysis that we can provide an accurate and up-to-date picture of the lives of young people in Malta today and a firm basis for evidence-based policy making. The study makes an invaluable contribution to achieve this and casts a clear and revealing light on this particular and significant aspect of young people’s lives.