The Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Kinder- und Jugendhilfe (AGJ) is calling for a political course correction in Germany to increase visibility and participation of young people. The organization argues that there is a need for “decisive political measures” for young people and a future-proof democracy, especially in light of growing anti-democratic forces. The AGJ presented the “Deutsche Kinder- und Jugend(hilfe)monitor 2025” at a press conference on Tuesday. The report shows that the future prospects for young people in Germany are strongly influenced by various challenges, including economic instability, fear of war in Europe, the climate crisis, increasing social inequality and demographic change. The report also shows that young people are concerned about growing hostility between people, which is as prevalent as fear of xenophobia, which is still more commonly cited than fear of further immigration. In 2024, economic concerns and the possibility of increased poverty were the main concerns for young people. In 2025, one in five children is at risk of growing up in poverty, with 20.7% of children and young people under 18 years at risk of poverty. AGJ President Karin Böllert expressed concern about the growing number of young people who feel that they are not being heard by the government. Despite the fact that a majority of young people believe in democracy as the best form of government, they feel that they are not being taken into account by the current government.
AGJ Calls for Political Course Correction to Boost Youth Participation and Welfare
