What does independence mean to you?

We asked this question to a community of tweens and teenagers. We prepared a summary of 370 answers, and here is what really matters to them — in order.

Pride in my country’s history and culture
Top of the list! For 27%, this was the topmost feeling when it comes to independence. And for that, we must say — we’re proud of you, kiddos!

Freedom to express myself without fear
For 16.21% of respondents between the ages of 11 and 19, their freedom of expression — whether at home or at a higher level — is important.

Explore, play, create, travel, and learn freely
Creative play is not a small thing! 13.51% of the respondents consider their right to be engaged in creative play an important pillar of their independence. We’re with you on that!

Equal opportunities and respect for everyone
Similarly, 13.51% of participants said independence means having equal opportunities and respect for everyone. That shows the maturity of this generation.

Being accepted for who I am
10.81% of teenagers prefer to be accepted in society for who they are, without being judged, criticised, or neglected.

Pursue my dreams without limits
8.1% consider the freedom to pursue their dreams without boundaries as a key expression of independence.

Clean and green spaces everywhere
Surprisingly, just 5.4% of respondents mentioned clean and green spaces — the overall environmental concern — as an important factor of independence. Or maybe they consider it such a default that it doesn’t need to be mentioned at all!

A nation of disciplined people
2.7% of teenagers related independence with public discipline.

Not facing bans on everything
Last but not least, 2.7% of respondents considered this an important part of independence.

No, the results do not completely reflect the mindset of the entire generation due to the small sample size, but they certainly reflect the priorities and values of the generation coming up.