Europe of well-being: How happy are young people?
Europe is known for social progress and high living standards. But is this the full picture for everyone? No, according to the latest report of the charity organization "Children's Society", which bears the title "Good Childhood Report 2024". The report's findings show a worrying decline in young people's levels of satisfaction with their lives. Specifically, 1 in 6 young Europeans express dissatisfaction with the life they lead.
According to UNICEF data, the percentage of young people satisfied with life has fallen from around 74% in 2018 to 69% in 2022, in 23 European countries. This alarming change highlights that socio-economic challenges have a profound impact on the well-being of the new generation.
Where do the most unhappy young people live?
The picture becomes bleaker in the United Kingdom, where 25.2% of young people express dissatisfaction with their lives. A similar situation occurs in Poland (24.4%) and Malta (23.6%). On the other hand, the happiest young people seem to live in the Netherlands, where only 6.7% of 15-year-olds express a low level of satisfaction. Also, Finland and Denmark are among the most positive countries, with dissatisfaction rates of 10.8% and 11.3%, respectively.
How is the situation in Albania?
In Albania, the relevant data is still missing in the most recent report. However, general trends in the countries of the region show an increase in concerns among young people, who are facing socio-economic challenges similar to those in the rest of Europe.
What are the main reasons for dissatisfaction?
Poverty, inequality and a lack of affordable mental health services are some of the main factors affecting the well-being of young people.
Poverty, in particular, is closely related to happiness. According to UNICEF, around 20 million children in the EU live at risk of poverty or social exclusion.
"Poverty has long-term consequences for children. It's not just a matter of growing up and getting a job. It affects their body, mind and future prospects,” said Dr. Ally Dunhill, policy director at Eurochild.
How does the Internet affect the well-being of young people?
The Internet has a great impact on the lives of young people, but often in a negative way. Factors such as online bullying, exposure to inappropriate content and misinformation contribute to the decline of young people's mental health.
According to Fabiola Bas Palomares, head of policy at "Eurochild", the consequences of excessive use of the Internet are obvious: addiction, isolation and lack of social trust are some of the main effects that affect the development of young people.
What can be done to improve the situation?
Experts emphasize that immediate measures must be taken by governments to improve the well-being of young people. Some of these measures include:
Mental health support, with affordable and accessible services for young people.
Minimizing social exclusion, through investments in projects that raise awareness
of the fight against poverty, with policies that ensure access to basic needs for every family.
Dr. Dunhill points out that there are important initiatives that can help improve the situation, but obstacles are often encountered in their implementation, mainly due to the lack of cooperation between governments and organizations.
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