MARCH 2026
WHAT IS THIS ABOUT?
Every child and teenager should be able to live a
happy and healthy life. Some children need extra
support, for example with education, healthcare,
food, or housing.
To help with this, European Union (EU) countries
have national plans to help those children.
These plans are guided by the European Child
Guarantee. The EU is checking how the Guarantee
and the national plans are working.
That is why it was important to hear directly from
children and teenagers under 18 about what life
is like and how things are going in their countries
WHO PARTICIPATED?
41,736
children
and teenagers
aged 8 to 17
From all 27 EU countries and some citizens livring abroad
Through an online survey, 26 focus groups and 45 individual interviews
THE BIG MESSAGE FROM CHILDREN
Many children said that help and services do exist, and that some things have improved. But not every child can use this support in the same way. This means that even if children have the same rights, they do not always get the same chances in everyday life.
THE ACTIONS CHILDREN WANT
- Treat children with respect, help them feel safe, protect their privacy, and do not single them out
- Make costs lower, or free for families who need it, so all children are included
- Make support practical, on time, and reliable, especially for children facing bigger barriers
- Listen to children in decisions that affect their lives, and show what changed because of what they said
BEING INCLUDED AND TREATED FAIRLY
What children asked for
- Support that is practical, given at the right time, and provided consistently, especially for children who face greater barriers or need extra help
- Adults should challenge bullying and discrimination when they see it, and protect children’s dignity by treating them with respect and standing up for their rights
- Support should protect children’s privacy and be provided in a way that does not single them out or make them feel different from others
- Provide meaningful ways for children to take part in decisions, and to see what changed because of what they said
- Boy, 16-17, Romania
LIFE AT SCHOOL
What children asked for
- Make school activities free or cheaper, and clearly explain the full cost in advance, including any extra charges for things like materials, trips or equipment that families might not expect at first
- Set clear rules about bullying and discrimination, make sure everyone understands them, and apply them consistently, so that there are clear consequences for harmful behaviour and children feel safe, respected and able to take part in school life
- Make sure children can get support with their learning, and school counsellors and school nurses are available when children need them
- Include children in school decisions, listen to what children say and make changes based on it
- Girl, 15, Denmark
HEALTHCARE
What children asked for
- Faster access to doctors and specialist care when children need it
- Affordable care for families who need extra support, including dental and specialised care, such as eye tests and glasses, mental health support, and speech and language therapy
- Clear, child friendly information about where to get support
- Better and quicker mental health support, including support provided in schools
- Girl, 8, Portugal
FOOD, INCLUDING ONE SCHOOL MEAL A DAY
What children asked for
- At least one healthy meal during the school day to be free or affordable
- Cheap and healthy snacks and drinks to be available in school
- Better quality and variety in school meals, including fruit and vegetables
- Food support during holidays and school closures, for example holiday meal clubs or food vouchers to help make sure children still have enough to eat when school is closed
- Boy, 16, Poland
HOUSING
What children asked for
- Make sure homes are warm, safe, and in good condition, and that problems are fixed quickly so children can live comfortably and stay healthy
- Help families pay for rent, heating, water, and energy when the family has less money
- Make sure children have enough space and privacy, including somewhere quiet to study
- Give better support to young people when they leave foster care or children’s home
- Child, France
If you are under 18 and you need to talk to someone about how you are feeling, please speak to a trusted adult, or contact a child helpline in your country.
