Abstract
Introduction: Rapid cultural and social transformations, accelerated by technological advancements and globalization, have significantly impacted the lives of children and adolescents. In Iran, these changes have introduced numerous challenges in cultural and social domains, necessitating comprehensive identification and mitigation strategies. Given that childhood and adolescence are critical stages in the formation of identity, beliefs, and values, structured planning is essential to minimize risks and leverage opportunities. This study examines the cultural and social challenges faced by Iranian children and adolescents in 2024 (1403), prioritizing these issues across two dimensions—cultural and social—and proposing actionable solutions.
Methods: This qualitative study employed thematic analysis. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 11 cultural, educational, and social experts, selected purposively based on their expertise. The data were analyzed using MAXQDA software through a three-stage coding process: open, axial, and selective. Open-ended questionnaires were also administered to validate findings and enhance reliability.
Results: The findings categorize challenges into two main areas:

Cultural Challenges:

Decline in religious and national beliefs: Diminished adherence to religious and national values due to inadequate family upbringing, unengaging educational content, and ineffective media.
Adoption of foreign cultural norms: Excessive influence of Western media and celebrities has eroded cultural identity.
Reduced hope for the future: Economic instability and pessimistic parental attitudes contribute to widespread hopelessness.
Lack of cultural/recreational facilities: Insufficient public spaces for leisure activities lead to excessive and unproductive virtual engagement.

Social Challenges:

Deficits in social skills: Adolescents face difficulties in social integration, teamwork, and coping with social judgment.
Identity crisis: Confusion regarding personal, national, and gender identity results in significant uncertainty.
Family relationship issues: Declining emotional interactions between parents and children due to excessive virtual engagement and busy lifestyles.
Misuse of virtual spaces: Virtual platforms often foster behavioral issues and technology addiction rather than constructive use.


Discussion: The study underscores the urgent need for policy-driven interventions to address these challenges. Key recommendations include prioritizing identified issues, establishing public cultural/recreational centers, educating parents on effective parenting, and producing appropriate media content. Reforming the educational system and implementing identity-strengthening programs are also crucial.
Recommendations:

Allocate sufficient funding for public cultural and recreational centers.
Develop training programs for parents and teachers to improve parenting and mentorship skills.
Implement policies to monitor and regulate virtual spaces effectively.
Promote indigenous media content to reinforce cultural identity.

This study highlights the necessity of addressing the needs of children and adolescents—the most vulnerable demographic—and provides a foundation for informed policymaking in cultural and social domains.
Keywords: Adolescents, Children, Cultural, Issues and Challenges, Social.