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1. Forthcoming policy developments

2. Ongoing debates

Forthcoming policy developments

In Denmark, current and forthcoming policy developments on social inclusion focus on strengthening the inclusion of vulnerable young people in education, employment, and community life.

National strategy on social inclusion of young people – ongoing revision (2024-ongoing)
A key initiative is the political agreement on a youth boost (Ungeløft) concluded in October 2024 between the government and a broad majority in the Danish Parliament. The agreement targets approximately 43.000 young people under 30 who are not in education or employment (NEETs). It introduces new local youth task forces (ungeindsatser), additional guidance counsellors, and improved cross-sectoral coordination between municipalities, job centres and educational institutions. The initiative aims to support young people’s transition into education and work and promote social inclusion through individualised, coordinated support.

 Proposal to ban mobile phones / social media for young people under 15 years (under discussion in 2025-26)
Another major forthcoming policy debate concerns digital inclusion and youth well-being. Although primarily a digital-wellbeing measure, this proposal directly relates to youth inclusion by aiming to reduce digital exclusion, mental-health risks and social isolation. The Danish government announced plans in October 2025 to ban social media use for children and young people under 15 years.

• Ministry involved: Ministry of Digitalisation and Ministry of Children and Education.
• Draft status: Policy announcement stage; legislative amendment expected in 2026.

Ongoing debates

Current debates on youth inclusion in Denmark focus on how to ensure meaningful participation, social belonging and equal opportunities for all young people across education, community life and public decision-making.

One central discussion concerns the authenticity of youth participation. While the number of municipal and national youth councils and panels has increased, many young people express that their involvement often lacks real influence and risks being merely symbolic. This has led to calls for stronger mechanisms to ensure that youth voices genuinely shape policy and practice rather than being used for visibility alone.

Another ongoing debate addresses inclusion and exclusion within urban youth work and leisure settings. Research and professional discussions highlight that young people from marginalised backgrounds may still experience barriers in youth clubs and community activities, where factors such as gender, ethnicity, class and sexuality influence who feels included or excluded. This has sparked renewed interest in developing inclusive pedagogical practices that reflect young people’s diverse identities and lived experiences.

Digital inclusion has also become a major topic. Surveys show that many young Danes perceive online spaces as polarised or dominated by extreme opinions, which discourages some from taking part in digital debates or civic engagement. Policymakers, educators and youth organisations therefore discuss how to foster safer, more respectful online environments that support democratic participation and social connection.

The Danish Youth Council (DUF) published its Youth Analysis 2025 (Ungeanalysen 2025) which highlights both positive trends and persistent challenges in young people’s social inclusion in Denmark.

The analysis shows that while a large majority of young people in Denmark (68%) describe their lives as good and 77% report that they often feel happy, as many as 73% experience at least one form of social deprivation. Around one in four (27%) state that they lack places where they can share interests or feel part of a community. The study emphasises that participation in associations and organised youth communities significantly enhances social well-being and inclusion. Among young people who are active in associations, 80% say they have a good life, compared with 61% among those who have never been involved in one (DUF, 2025). This highlights the central role of civil society and youth organisations in promoting inclusion and belonging among young people.