Most children in the Netherlands consider themselves to be happy but the gap between contented kids and those who are unhappy is widening, according to a new report by the children’s ombudsman Margrite Klaverboer.

Children living in difficult circumstances are more negative about their lives, largely go unnoticed and are not getting sufficient support, the report, published on International Child Rights Day, said.

The report is based on an online survey involving 1,700 children and interviews with a further 80, ranging from young athletes to children with eating disorders or who are homeless.

On average, children give their lives a 7.7 out of 10 but around 10% rate their lives no higher than 3.8. Overall, children who come from problem families, who are involved with youth social workers or who come from poor families rate their lives lower than those without difficulties.

Children are also clearly happier than teenagers, with the under 13s giving their lives a score of 8.5, compared with 7.1 for teenagers.

Organised

‘Adults think they have everything organised but children tell a different story,’ Kalverboer said. ‘In particular, we are not doing enough to help vulnerable children.’

Reducing the gap in perceptions of happiness will be a key mission of the child ombudsman organisation in 2019, she said.

Reports by international organisations such as the UN rank Dutch children among the happiest in the world.

However, a report by the government’s SCP think-tank in September said while Dutch teenagers remain among the happiest, they are experiencing greater pressure at school and still drink a lot.

In 2001, just 16% said that they felt pressured by school exams and course requirements but by last year this had risen to 35%.