UNICEF: Dutch youth say politicians ignore their voices

Children and teenagers in the Netherlands say they feel largely ignored by politicians and are deeply concerned about bullying, housing shortages, and safety, both in their neighborhoods and nationally, according to the 2025 UNICEF Youth Advice released Monday during Jongeren Prinsjesdag, an annual event in which young people present their views directly to policymakers.

The survey of over 1,200 young people aged 10 to 18 found that 41 percent see bullying as their top societal concern, while 36 percent are worried about the lack of affordable housing and an equal share about safety.

Young people rated how seriously politicians take their opinions at 4.4 out of 10, slightly down from 4.5 last year, and about 40 percent said politicians behave inappropriately, citing public arguments, childish conduct, and prioritizing adult interests.

Older youths emphasized that attention to bullying should include understanding the motives of the perpetrators. One 17-year-old girl said, “Maybe we should also look at where the behavior comes from. Give them another outlet.” Another 17-year-old highlighted worries about the housing market: “I wonder how I will ever afford a house, and I am already worried about saving.”

“Children in the Netherlands number 3.3 million. If policy is to work for them, we must see them not just as a target group, but also as conversation partners. Being heard is an important child right and makes a difference for effective policy,” said Suzanne Laszlo, director of UNICEF Netherlands. The advice was reportedly delivered to Caretaker VVD State Secretary Judith Tielen in a school bus on Prinsjesdag.