A Youth StoryLab podcast episode has teens discuss third spaces: places that are not home, school or work.
In the episode, host Arianne and guest Izzy, joined by a friend, talk about what third spaces mean to young people. The participants described a third space as somewhere they can be themselves without the expectations of school or the house rules of home. They said these places are a way to meet new people and do things away from their phones.
Where teens say they find them
The group named places and activities including libraries, roller rinks, parks, the YMCA, youth programs like Youth StoryLab and band practice with friends. They said Kalamazoo has few options built for teens, and that some places seem to be available only seasonally or during limited hours.
What they’d like to see
The participants shared ideas for more spaces and programs:
- teen events at libraries
- classes in technology, animation and aerial silk
- art and creative programs
- icebreakers at meetups, to help people meet someone new
- movie nights and other low-cost outings
They said adult involvement matters, with enough supervision to keep events safe but not constant monitoring. They also talked about parents and other adults starting youth groups or hosting gatherings, and about how school clubs, theater and music groups can serve as third spaces.
The conversation runs about 45 minutes. It includes the teens’ own stories, their ideas for programs they’d attend and what they want adults and community leaders to know. Watch it on Public Media Network.
