barndomungdom

Barndomungdom is a term used in Nordic languages to describe the combined life stage of childhood and youth. The word fuses barndom (childhood) and ungdom (youth) and is employed in education, social policy, and research to discuss development, welfare needs, and services across early life.

Age range: varies by country and policy; commonly spans from birth through late adolescence or early adulthood (roughly birth to the late teens or early twenties). The concept emphasizes continuity of developmental needs and supports, rather than treating childhood and adolescence as distinct periods.

Domains: physical and cognitive development, mental health, education and learning, family and social relationships, safety and protection, and preparation for adulthood, including employment and civic participation. Research often uses cross-stage data to assess outcomes such as school achievement, health, and well-being across childhood and youth.

Policy and practice: services for children and families, education systems, healthcare, child protection, and welfare programs. The term is used to frame policy debates around early intervention, prevention, and equitable access to resources across the entire span from birth to young adulthood.

In international contexts, barndomungdom aligns with rights-based approaches to childhood and adolescence and with frameworks such as the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, emphasizing equal opportunities, safety, and participation, including digital environments and modern youth cultures.