Urban Space and Adolescents: A Literature Review

Purpose: The topic of urban spaces used by adolescents during their leisure time remains relatively underrepresented in the field of socio-economic geography. Researchers often approach this age group with caution due to the complex developmental dynamics of adolescence, a phase marked by identity formation and expressions of rebellion. These factors present numerous challenges to research design, such as issues of responsiveness, data reliability, and procedural disruptions. Given this context, the aim of the article is to present the results of a systematic literature review that maps social science researchers’ interests at the intersection of urban space, adolescence, and leisure time. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study involved the analysis of academic publications indexed in the international Scopus and Web of Science databases, using the keywords: youth, space, and leisure. The focus was narrowed to social science literature, and only those publications whose abstracts incorporated all three keywords were selected. The gathered data were visualized both in tabular PRISMA form and through bibliometric mapping using the VOSviewer software. Findings: The findings reveal limited scholarly attention among geographers to the subject of adolescents in urban environments—a gap the author identifies as a research niche within the discipline. Practical Implications: This review highlights the need for more spatially grounded research on youth experiences in urban environments. The findings suggest that urban planners, educators, and social scientists should adopt interdisciplinary and youth-inclusive approaches when designing public spaces and urban policies. Greater attention to adolescent perspectives can lead to more inclusive, equitable, and developmentally supportive urban environments. Originality/Value: The study offers a critical reflection on disciplinary gaps and provides a foundation for future research in urban geography that centers youth as legitimate social and spatial actors.