Youth Central’s 2026 Youth Quality of Life Report is based on a survey of 400 Calgary youth aged 12–17, conducted in partnership with DDL Analytics. Survey questions were developed collaboratively and tested with youth before being distributed online, with parental consent. Participants were recruited through an online research panel and Youth Central’s networks, with responses statistically weighted to reflect Calgary’s youth population by age, gender and geography.
The findings offer reasons for optimism alongside areas that need our attention. While 80% of youth are optimistic about their futures, 1 in 4 feel lonely or isolated, and only 45% feel they regularly have opportunities to share their voice. The report explores belonging, community participation, digital life, school and employment. It asks us to consider how the opportunities and supports we offer reflect what youth in Calgary need.
Thank you to the youth who shared their experiences and perspectives, helping us better understand what it means to grow up in Calgary today.
Thank you to the Calgary Foundation for generously funding this research and supporting our efforts to better understand the experiences, perspectives and needs of Calgary’s youth. Their support helps ensure that youth voice is heard and can inform change in our community.
