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Irish Examiner
27-05-2025
- General
- Irish Examiner
Colman Noctor: Learning from the Dutch approach, where teenagers have high life satisfaction
Last week, UNICEF released a report entitled 'Child Wellbeing in an Unpredictable World', which revealed that Irish teenagers are among the least satisfied with life in high-income countries. Nearly one in three 15-year-olds reported low life satisfaction, and Ireland was ranked 24th for adolescent mental wellbeing among OECD and EU countries. We have been experiencing a happiness recession for some time now. I have met many young people who appear apathetic about school and friends. Despite having no obvious stressors, they describe a lack of satisfaction with everyday life. I commonly hear young people ask 'What's the point?' when it comes to existential questions about their lives, and I get a worrying, eerie sense of emptiness from many young people I see. At no point in human history have our children ever had so much objectively, yet we have been more unhappy subjectively. I was curious to find out if this was replicated globally, if certain countries were performing better in this regard, and if so, what lessons we could learn from their approaches. I expected the Nordic countries to rank highest, as they are often league leaders in raising children. However, upon reviewing the UNICEF report, the Netherlands stood out as the highest performer in life satisfaction among young people. Dutch teenagers consistently report high levels of life satisfaction, outperforming their peers across Europe. According to a 2024 study by the British charity, Children's Society, only 6.7% of Dutch 15-year-olds reported low life satisfaction, compared to the European average of 16.6%. The Dutch approach to education emphasises student wellbeing alongside academic achievement. Their schools focus on fostering a sense of belonging among their students and reducing performance pressure. For example, one school, the Jordan-Montessori Lyceum in Utrecht, temporarily restricted parental access to real-time grade apps to alleviate student stress. They identified that parents' constant monitoring of their children's academic performance heightened the students' anxiety, and so interrupted that process. It's a tactic worth considering in Ireland, given the high stress levels many students experience around their academic performance. Educational researchers Sharon O'Donnell and Helen Burgess, who conducted a comprehensive review of the Dutch education system in 2018, found that its school system offers multiple educational pathways and has successfully reduced the stigma associated with non-academic career tracks. This result was achieved through a 'needs-based policy', where vocational education is closely linked to the needs of the local labour market, ensuring that students acquire skills directly applicable and sought after by employers. The schools also offer flexible educational pathways, making it easier for students to switch from vocational to academic pathways or vice versa. There's a cultural emphasis on valuing practical skills, incorporating hands-on learning experiences into vocational programmes, further enhancing their relevance and appeal. This inclusive approach enables students to pursue careers aligned with their interests and strengths rather than focusing on an academic points system, which they believe contributes to higher satisfaction levels. Senior cycle redevelopment proposals are currently being considered to create a more balanced Leaving Certificate assessment system, reducing the emphasis on high-stakes exams by incorporating continuous assessment components. These changes aim to offer a more equitable and authentic assessment process, allowing students to demonstrate their knowledge in various ways. Along with changing how we test students, we need to consider moving away from the CAO points system, which serves as the primary entry point for further education. I am confident that an alternative system where students are encouraged to choose courses that suit their skills and aspirations, instead of the culture of finding a course to match their CAO points, would work better. Moderating social media use While social media is ubiquitous among teenagers worldwide, Dutch adolescents exhibit healthier usage patterns than most countries. The Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) Study 2022 found that problematic social media use among Dutch teens is significantly lower than international averages. While an average of 11% of teenagers across 44 countries displayed 'problematic' social media use, this percentage was only 6% in Dutch teenagers. According to extensive research by sociologist Jonathan Haidt and colleagues, moderating social media usage helps teens maintain positive self-esteem and reduces their exposure to harmful online comparisons. Dutch culture also strongly encourages outdoor activities and face-to-face interactions, which limits children's screen time. Dutch children are often seen cycling, playing in parks, or engaging in community events, which helps to foster real-world connections and enhance their physical well-being. This is made possible by a vast network of cycle paths, well-maintained parks, and public spaces that encourage active lifestyles and social interaction. In her 2018 book Things Dutch Moms Like, author Coleen Geske says that Dutch parenting styles are characterised by openness, respect, and autonomy. Geske says Dutch parents take pride in engaging in honest conversations about various topics, including sex, emotions, and personal challenges. They believe that this transparency helps build trust and equips teenagers with the tools to navigate adolescence confidently. While much progress has been made with Irish parents' openness to meaningful conversations, we still have a way to go. Despite the ubiquitous availability of pornography in the online world, I would guess that most Irish parents continue to avoid having honest conversations with their teenage children about this topic. The legacy of the Catholic church undoubtedly plays a role in our awkward approach to these types of conversations. Despite the discomfort inherent in these conversations, the risks of not having these conversations may be far more significant. Additionally, Geske states that Dutch parents often involve children in decision-making, reinforcing their sense of agency, autonomy and responsibility. In their 2017 book The Happiest Kids in the World, authors Rina Mae Acosta and Michele Hutchison list things they believe set Dutch children apart. They say that Dutch babies get more sleep, have little or no homework in primary school, are trusted to ride bikes to school on their own, are allowed to play outside unsupervised and value having regular family meals. While many Irish parents do many of these things too, it reminds us to continue investing in these parenting aspects, which seem to serve Dutch children very well. Sense of belonging Outside family life, schools and neighbourhoods make concerted efforts to foster meaningful, inclusive environments where students feel accepted and supported. According to the UNICEF report, 81% of Dutch 15-year-olds find it easy to make friends, one of the highest rates among OECD countries. These community supports extend to extracurricular activities and public spaces as well. According to University of Utrecht researcher Yvonne Vanneste, Dutch teenagers have access to facilities similar to youth clubs, which are government-funded and professionally managed. These clubs allow them to participate in group sports, the arts, and volunteer work, enhancing their social networks and sense of belonging. In Ireland, by contrast, funding for youth clubs is dwindling. The well-being of Dutch teenagers is not the result of a single policy or practice but rather a holistic approach that integrates supportive education, responsible digital habits, open family communication, structured routines, and strong community ties into their culture. The Netherlands has had centuries of government investment based on a thriving economy, sharply contrasting with Ireland. While government funding and facilities are beyond our control, as parents, we can draw other valuable lessons from the Dutch model. I recognise that all cultures are different. However, we need to acknowledge that Irish teenagers struggle with life satisfaction compared to their counterparts in other countries. By adopting some Dutch principles into Irish culture, we might work towards enhancing the life satisfaction and overall happiness of Irish adolescents and improving our ranking in the next UNICEF report. Dr Colman Noctor is a child psychotherapist Read More
Business Insider
06-05-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
HER Power, Africa's transformation: Insights for women breaking barriers in tech
On a warm digital stage, over 1,000 current and aspiring young Africans in tech gathered for the HER Power, Africa's Transformation event organised by ALX and Women in Tech. The focus? Empowering women across Africa to lead the continent's tech and entrepreneurial transformation. Across two insightful panel discussions, a compelling keynote address and masterclass breakaways, clear themes emerged, emphasising the importance of mentorship, fostering inclusive networks, and leveraging education and technology to break barriers and drive impactful change for women across Africa. Speakers emphasised that empowering women in tech and entrepreneurship is about more than equity—it's about transforming Africa into a hub of growth and opportunity. Sharon O'Donnell, Chief Customer Experience Officer at ALX Africa, said, "Unlocking potential through access, innovation, and intentional support doesn't just create jobs—it ignites movements, shifts narratives, and builds futures." Keynote speaker Jeniffer Ramnath, Chief Digital and Information Officer at the Mastercard Foundation, highlighted the importance of technology in shaping Africa's future. "The future of work is being reshaped by AI and emerging technologies, creating both challenges and opportunities for young women in Africa. By taking a women-centered approach to technology deployment, we can ensure these advances help bridge gaps, rather than widen them." Nihal Djebli, Managing Director of AI Crafters and former director of IT industry association AUSIM , highlighted a critical issue—retaining women in leadership roles. Despite the high number of women studying STEM subjects Morocco, only 18 out of 120 AUSIM member companies had female CIOs, Djebli said. She urged women to 'break free from invisible chains', such as societal expectations and self-doubt, that hinder their growth. The topic of imposter syndrome was tackled head-on by speakers like Melissa Slaymaker, Regional Director for Women in Tech, who reframed it as a growth opportunity. 'Imposter syndrome isn't always a bad thing. It means you are out of your comfort zone and growing. It's about changing your mindset, recognising the nerves and finding the tools to minimise them," she remarked. Entrepreneurship was a major focus, with speakers encouraging women to pursue entrepreneurial ventures as a means to create sustainable change. Nicole Gray, Entrepreneurship Development Manager at ALX Africa, emphasised how an entrepreneurial mindset can drive impact at both community and organisational levels. 'Start where you are. Don't wait for the perfect conditions to make an impact. With the right mindset, network, and tools, you can build businesses that fuel Africa's growth,' she said. "Africa is an interesting place to do business," shared panellist Ifeoluwa Dare-Johnson, CEO of HealthTracka. "Women are often underestimated, but I see that as a superpower. When they don't see you coming, you meet them with proof that you're capable, you show up, do the work, and you will make your mark on the world just by doing what you're meant to do." Actionable advice for aspiring women in tech Speakers shared practical steps for women looking to thrive in tech and entrepreneurship: Break barriers with belief: Sometimes the biggest obstacles are internal. Despite being told she couldn't lead as a child, Dominion Paul defied expectations in her rural community to become the founder and CEO of LADX. Her unwavering belief drove her success. She urged women to embrace curiosity, persistence, and "intentional stubbornness" to overcome challenges. "Be delusional! Believe you can build something extraordinary. Barriers often come wrapped as advice—give yourself permission to dream big," she said. Invest in skills development: Invest in both technical and human-focused skills like leadership and critical thinking, advised Ramnath. "The future of work will require a blend of digital literacy and uniquely human capabilities like creativity, empathy, and critical thinking." ALX's digital skills development programmes provide an excellent place to start. Leverage online learning platforms, scholarships, and grants to overcome financial barriers. Build strong networks and engage mentors: Join communities like ALX and Women in Tech Global, attend hackathons, and seek mentorship opportunities. Slaymaker urged women to build a 'pit crew' of mentors, allies, and sponsors who can support and advocate for them. She stressed, 'Surround yourself with people who uplift you, whether it's to guide you, cheer you on, or open doors when you're not in the room.' Leverage technology for impact: AI-enabled solutions can help optimise your career or entrepreneurial ventures, whether in education, healthcare, or agriculture. Use the resources and knowledge you have today to address local challenges. Incremental impact can lead to transformational change. Lead with purpose and heart: Be intentional in your work and prioritise emotional intelligence alongside technical expertise. "Your story has power, and your difference is your strength. Lead not just with knowledge but also with heart," said Djebli. Support others on the same journey:"As you rise, bring others with you", shared Ramnath, emphasising the importance of collective lifting to transform entire systems. Africa's future is feminine, and it starts now At the heart of this event was ALX's commitment to unlocking opportunities for young Africans in technology, leadership, and entrepreneurship. The ALX ecosystem of opportunity, which includes world-class training, entrepreneurial networks, and mentorship, has empowered thousands. With over 115,000 female learners and 4,065 women founders already part of their cosystem, ALX is ensuring that young women have the tools to lead Africa into a prosperous future.
