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Below is information on: Recent research in the Netherlands has suggested that smoking, drinking and drug abuse are on the increase among young people. Just as worrying is that the small numbers of juvenile delinquents within Dutch society are getting younger and their offences more serious. The country favours a preventative approach to these issues. However, punishments can be severe, particularly where it is felt that young people are causing a public nuisance. Youth Organisations
Youth Information PointsIt is common for larger towns and cities to have a Youth Information Point (YIP). This is a central place for 12 to 25 year olds to go for information, advice, mediation, and even practical help with writing letters and completing forms for jobs or housing. Open hours vary but young people are free to drop in at any time. The service is free of charge and always confidential. The YIP also has a library of brochures and leaflets covering everything from housing and health to addiction and body piercing. Again these are free of charge. They also sell cut-price condoms and offer the use of computers for constructive purposes such as Internet research. Many also have a job bank with details of work experience placements, part-time and full-time posts for young people. The YIP (along with the local Tourist Information Point, TIP) also has details about local clubs and organisations for young people. Concessions for Young PeopleAll students are entitled to special prices on public transport via a pass (ov-jaarkaart). There are also concessions for full-time students at many museums, cinemas and other places of interest. School HolidaysFor newcomers to Holland, there are programmes of integration and study which can be undertaken in school holidays. The local municipality (stadhuis) will have details of what's available. Voluntary work is also popular and often allows young people to gain work experience. Most local authorities finance and organise youth work and participation is often based around a community or youth centre under professional supervision. The local Town Hall (stadhuis) has information. For more information on voluntary work or to find voluntary work overseas, contact the International Voluntary Service (IVS).Youth EmploymentUnemployment in general is a problem for the Dutch. Since 2002 those seeking work and applying for benefits must register with the Centre for Work and Income (Central Bureau voor de Arbeidsvoorziening - CWI)
The government guarantees a place on a reintegration programme within six months of registering to young people who are newly unemployed or simply unable to find work. For young people this will typically mean some voluntary work, training courses or work experience. Minimum WageHolland has a minimum wage and a minimum youth wage for those under 23. The amount paid is adjusted by a fixed percentage depending on age. It is reviewed twice a year according to the average wage trends. For part-time work the rates are adjusted proportionately. Extra remuneration can be given for shift work/irregular hours or for tips. All employees have the right to receive a payslip so that they can see how their wages have been calculated. Employers can be fined if they do not comply with legislation. Working HoursThe Working Hours Act (WHA) provides a legal framework aimed at promoting the health, safety and well-being of employees. It applies to everyone who works "Under authority" therefore excluding managers and senior staff. It sets a minimum length for rest periods and breaks. No one should work for more than 10 hours at a time and no more than an average of 45 hours a week. These rules can vary according to the type of work being performed. Typically an average of 39 hours is worked per week. They apply whether or not there is a contract of employment in place. Anyone with reason to believe they are being underpaid or asked to work excessive hours should consult the CWI. Casual WorkYouth unemployment in Holland is high so competition for seasonal and casual work is fierce. What is available is largely agricultural or within the hotel/catering sector. Typical examples of casual work are asparagus picking in Limburg May through June and bulb picking in Noord Holland in July and August. There are always people looking for reliable baby-sitters and this can be a good source of income for young people. Most neighbourhood magazines and some of the local websites post small ads where students can advertise their babysitting services. Schools will usually supply a letter of recommendation. DrivingThe legal minimum age to drive a car or motorbike over 125cc is eighteen years and for a moped of less than 125cc, the minimum age is sixteen. Drivers and passengers on both mopeds and motorbikes must wear crash helmets. Like other European countries, a driving licence (or passport for those who do not have a photo licence), vehicle registration papers and insurance documents must be carried at all times. The Netherlands allows 0.2 grams per litre of blood for a driver that has held their licence for under five years. The limit for adult, experienced drivers is 0.5 grams of alcohol per litre of blood. Driving under the influence of alcohol is punished by fines or custodial sentences for more serious offences. Refusing to submit to a breathalyser test will mean further penalties. Learning to DriveLicences are issued and renewed by the local authorities. The CBR (Driving Test Organisation) is the Dutch statutory body responsible for the administering of driving tests. The test itself consists of a theory and practical element. The theory part can be done in English. Lessons are provided by private driving schools. Instructors will often speak English to a reasonable standard. AlcoholTo consume or purchase alcohol one must be eighteen years of age. Proof of age should be asked for with each purchase. Mildly alcoholic drinks may be sold to sixteen-year-olds, but they are not permitted to buy spirits under any circumstances. These rules do not apply in the home where parents may allow younger children to drink if they wish. Youth Clubs or similar young people's clubs which have a bar must have a minimum number of staff with a Social Hygiene diploma, which basically means they understand about the safe and responsible consumption of alcohol. They must also have a written policy on alcohol that addresses its sale and how they deal with issues arising from its consumption.
DrugsThe Netherlands makes a distinction between different classes of drug. The legalisation of cannabis in recent years has meant that the sale of cannabis is allowed under certain conditions, but the supply is not. Typically this has led to cannabis coffee shops where there is little or no opportunity to buy other types of drug. This use of soft drugs is considered acceptable whereas the use of hard drugs is not. The general approach is to educate and therefore reduce demand and, where this approach has failed, to limit the harm caused by offering treatment of various kinds. Heroin and other hard drug addicts are offered help and support as well as the free supply of methadone. Syringe exchange programmes operate in more than 60 towns and cities. Ecstasy is popular with clubbers in the Netherlands and is also one of the drugs that is given the highest priority in terms of investigation and prosecution. Whether under the influence of drink or drugs, the Dutch take the view that one is still responsible for one's actions and therefore should expect to be prosecuted if they cause nuisance or harm to others.
PregnancyThe Netherlands has very low rates of teenage pregnancy compared to many other countries. There is good access to contraceptives, which are free (except condoms which are widely sold and often at discounted prices). Abortion rates are similarly low. Termination is available on request up to 24 weeks and can be obtained under the national health system free of charge. Before operating, a doctor must see the patient and advise her of the options available, inform her of the risks and if she is under 18 years of age must have parental consent.
Minimal benefits are paid to young unmarried mothers in the Netherlands.
General HealthThe Juvenile Health Care Centre (Jeugdgezondheidszorg/JGZ) of the Public Health Department (GGD) provides guidance to parents and guardians in The Netherlands about the physical, emotional and psychological development of their children aged 4 to 19 years of age. Further Information
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This is the "Living with Teenagers in the Netherlands" INFOrmation Page at AngloINFO Holland South. AngloINFO Holland South's INFOrmation Pages provide an online encyclopaedia covering all aspects of "Life in South Netherlands, in English!". AngloINFO Holland South is your Holland South information source, for everyone living in Holland South or moving to Holland South, covering everything from the Holland South property and real estate contacts you need before and during your move to Holland, to all aspects of everyday life in the Holland South international community for those living their lives in Holland. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
