# Social and mental health trends among Dutch youth > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/social-and-mental-health-trends-among-dutch-youth > Updated: 2026-09-27T00:24:17.000Z. Sources: 21. Developments: 4. Recent studies highlight various social and psychological challenges facing youth in the Netherlands. A UNICEF study reported that young people in the mainland and the BES islands feel unheard by political establishments, with approximately 61 percent of respondents giving the political system an unsatisfactory grade. On the BES islands, mental health, bullying, and international threats were identified as primary concerns. New data from a Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study, conducted by Utrecht University and the Trimbos Institute, provides specific details on declining social attitudes and mental health. Between 2021 and 2025, acceptance of homosexuality among secondary students dropped significantly. Among boys, positive attitudes fell from 40% to 22%, while for girls, the figure dropped from 78% to 51%. Researchers noted that fewer students feel they can be “openly themselves at school.” The report also confirms a deterioration in school environments, marked by increased bullying and a more negative classroom atmosphere. Mental health issues among female students have risen sharply; the percentage of girls experiencing emotional problems rose from 29% in 2017 to 43% in 2025, and behavioral problems increased from 12% to 21%. Following these findings, local officials in Hattem launched the ‘Kleurrijk Jezelf Zijn’ (Colorful Being Yourself) week to promote dialogue, emphasizing that respect and equal treatment under Article 1 of the Constitution are non-negotiable. Regional representatives noted that the decline in acceptance is reflected in local safety perceptions; in Groningen, queer individuals reported feeling less safe in 2024 than in 2016. Observers attribute these shifts to social media, the ‘manosphere’, and rising political conservatism or far-right rhetoric regarding identity. Further discussions have emerged regarding the potential influence of religion, migration, and the education system on these shifting attitudes. ## Claims - The Trimbos Institute and Utrecht University conducted the HBSC study on the mental well-being of Dutch youth. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The percentage of boys in secondary education who view homosexuality positively dropped from 40% to 22% between 2021 and 2025. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The percentage of girls in secondary education who view homosexuality positively fell from 78% to 51% between 2021 and 2025. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Between 2017 and 2025, youth reported increased instances of bullying and a more negative view of the school atmosphere. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The percentage of girls experiencing emotional problems rose from 29% in 2017 to 43% in 2025. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The percentage of girls with behavioral problems increased from 12% to 21% between 2017 and 2025. (corroborated by 3 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-27: Netherlands: Declining homosexuality acceptance among youth Discussions in the Netherlands address a reported decline in homosexuality acceptance among youth, citing the influence of religion, migration, and education on changing social norms. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/netherlands-declining-homosexuality-acceptance-among-youth ### 2026-09-23: LGBTQ+ acceptance declines among Dutch youth A study by Utrecht University and the Trimbos Institute shows a sharp decline in LGBTQ+ acceptance among Dutch youth, prompting local initiatives in Hattem to foster dialogue and combat social division. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lgbtq-acceptance-declines-among-dutch-youth ### 2026-09-20: Dutch youth acceptance of homosexuality declines sharply A study by Utrecht University and the Trimbos Institute shows a sharp decline in homosexuality acceptance among Dutch youth, with positive attitudes dropping significantly between 2021 and 2025. 14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/netherlands-youth-show-declining-attitudes-toward-homosexuality ### 2026-09-14: UNICEF study finds Dutch youth feel unheard by government A UNICEF study shows youth in the Netherlands and BES islands feel unheard by politicians, with mental health being a top concern for those on the islands. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/unicef-study-finds-dutch-youth-feel-unheard-by-government --- Cite as: Social and mental health trends among Dutch youth. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/social-and-mental-health-trends-among-dutch-youth