In a context of changes and challenges, at the national and international level, Youth in Chile face a series of obstacles that put their development and well-being in check.. From the prominence they acquired in the transformation proposals after the social outbreak, to the current discourses related to insecurity, Young people are a group that is given a high responsibility for the future of the country..
However, It is essential to focus on the difficulties faced by young peoplesince these represent gaps that distance this group from valuing the social contract and, therefore, from their civic commitment.
Next, I will analyze three challenges that require urgent attention to promote timely and effective responses for youth in Chile.
Labor market: an obstacle to social integration
The rate of youth unemployment in Chile it is 16.8%doubling the national rate (INE, 2022). This situation is aggravated by the job insecurity, low salaries and lack of access to social security. Insertion into the labor market is not only crucial for access to work, but also for formal inclusion in the economy, the financial system and social protection.
In fact, according to the UDD survey 2023the problems that most afflict young people are economical (51%), the unemployment (17%), the mental health (14%) and the unsafety (8%).
In all of them we identify the relevance of achieving degrees of stability on the path to autonomy. Thus, the lack of job opportunities generates a significant increase in inequality gapsexcluding youth from their full potential and participation in society.
Mental health: a crisis that demands urgent attention
New factors such as the advancement of puberty, brain development, eating problems, poor sleep and excessive use of technology influence the increase in pathologies such as depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation among young people.
The figures on mental health do not correspond to the implementation of comprehensive public policies that address this challenge. A transformation of health, education, work and social services is required to integrate mental health at the pace of the needs of current and future youth.
Crime and social reintegration
An analysis of the Center for Citizen Security Studies of the University of Chile reveals a relationship between school dropout and participation in criminal activities. The study indicates that 70% of young people who committed serious crimes had dropped out of school, and 60% of them had done so before the age of 15.
The Adolescent Criminal Responsibility Law (LRPA), implemented 17 years ago, has had mixed results. Although its main objective is social reintegration through special programs, there are shortcomings in their implementation, lack of specialization and a necessary restructuring of the system.
It is essential to advance real opportunities for social integration to prevent large groups of young people, especially from vulnerable sectors, from becoming involved in criminal activities. Effective reintegration requires contexts that protect adolescents and young people from recidivism.
It is evident that real measures and public policies are required that they not only mention young people in their speeches, but also implement a systematic strengthening of public institutions focused on the challenges of youth.
In conclusion, The problem of youth participation in Chile is real and multifaceted. Challenges in the labor market, mental health and crime require urgent attention and a comprehensive approach.
Public policies should focus on offer concrete opportunities and create an environment that promotes the active participation of young people in all aspects of society. Only in this way can we strengthen democracy and promote inclusive social integration that takes advantage of the transformative potential of youth.
