Unveiling Dimensions: A Systematic Review of Participatory Research with Young People in Out-of-School Contexts

Participatory research with young people is expanding rapidly, yet the challenge of establishing a clear framework for its implementation persists. This contribution presents a systematic review which adopts a structured process based on an adapted PRISMA protocol. The review, conducted within the B-YOUth Forum—an interdisciplinary research laboratory open to young people— explores the landscape of participatory research with young people and investigates the employed methodologies, topics, and tools. Highlighting a shift from research on youth to research with youth, the review addresses ethical complexities and advocates for a collaborative approach between professional and youth researchers. The literature reveals a rich and multifaceted field, with this article contributing by reviewing, contextualizing, and building upon existing research. Despite challenges, participatory research emerges as a powerful tool for emancipating young people and societies.