jongeren

Jongeren is the Dutch term for young people. The word covers individuals who are in the transition from youth to adulthood. In public discourse it is used in a broad sense, with the exact age range varying by country and context; in Dutch policy and media it often refers to people roughly between 12 and 25 or 15 and 30, depending on the issue.

As a demographic group, jongeren face specific developmental milestones and challenges related to education, training, work, housing, health, and social participation. Policies aimed at jongeren seek to improve access to schooling, reduce unemployment, and support transitions to independent living.

Culture and civil life: Youth culture, media consumption, and online life influence identities and social norms. Jongeren participate in civil society through youth organizations, student associations, volunteering, and political engagement; their voices are often central to debates on education, climate, and social policy.

Policy and services: Government bodies, municipalities, and non-governmental organizations run programs on youth work, apprenticeships, mental health services, and youth mobility. Data on jongeren is used to monitor social inclusion, educational attainment, and economic participation.