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Social and mental health trends among Dutch youth

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2026-09-24 11:07 UTC → 2026-09-27 09:54 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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.

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