UNICEF study finds Dutch youth feel unheard by government

A UNICEF study conducted by Ipsos I&O reveals that youth in the Netherlands and the BES islands (Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba) feel unheard by local and national governments. In the Netherlands, the political system received an average score of 4.8, while youth on the BES islands rated it a 5.4. Approximately 61 percent of respondents gave the political establishment an unsatisfactory grade.

On the BES islands, the primary concerns identified by young people aged 10 to 17 differ from those in the mainland. Mental health was cited as the top priority by 28 percent of respondents, followed by bullying (27 percent) and international threats (26 percent). Participants highlighted issues such as stress, loneliness, and depression, noting a lack of professional help and a persistent taboo regarding mental health discussions. They advocated for increased access to professional support and more trusted confidants.

In the Netherlands, key societal concerns included housing shortages, bullying, and international dangers. Suzanne Laszlo, director of UNICEF Netherlands, described the results as a “clear warning,” stating that many youths feel politics decides their future without allowing them to participate seriously in the conversation.