Youth social inclusion is shaped by multiple interrelated factors, including income, education, employment opportunities, and access to essential social services such as housing, healthcare, and welfare support. Additionally, aspects such as environmental conditions, health literacy, and participation in cultural and recreational activities play a significant role in determining a young person’s ability to fully engage in society. Limited access to these resources can pose significant challenges to overall well-being and increase the risk of poverty and social exclusion. 

Several barriers can hinder young people from achieving full social inclusion. These include their socio-economic background, dependence on welfare benefits, complex psychological and social circumstances, and the influence of cultural traditions, which may limit access to education, employment, and social participation. Such obstacles can contribute to long-term exclusion if not addressed through targeted support and inclusive policies. 

Furthermore, additional challenges such as having a migrant background, identifying as LGBTIQ, or experiencing substance abuse can further restrict opportunities for young people to integrate into society. Those who face discrimination, inequality, or social disengagement from an early age are more likely to experience long-term marginalisation, making it difficult to break free from cycles of exclusion. Without adequate intervention, these young individuals may struggle to access education, employment, and essential social networks, reinforcing their disconnection from mainstream institutions and limiting their potential for personal and professional growth. 

The National Strategy for Poverty Reduction and Social Inclusion 2025-2035 looks at social inclusion as the process of ensuring equal opportunities, access, and participation for all individuals—particularly those facing poverty or marginalisation—by addressing societal inequalities, removing barriers, and fostering empowerment, solidarity, and dignity. Social inclusion aims to enhance well-being through improved access to education, healthcare, employment, and social support structures, ultimately promoting a more cohesive, equitable, and prosperous society.  

The National Youth Policy: Towards 2030 defined youth social inclusion as the removal of “barriers and impediments to young people's active participation in the political, educational, social and economic spheres … and positive steps taken to help ensure that young people are not directly or indirectly excluded.” 

In 2022, two key documents on inclusive education — "A National Inclusive Education Framework" and "A Policy on Inclusive Education in Schools: Route to Quality Inclusion" — were revised. Originally published in 2019, these policies define the concept of inclusive education as a form of learning where all learners receive high-quality education, promoting social equity and a more inclusive society.