Kids

The Dutch government will reduce its planned increase to childcare subsidies next year, generating a one-off saving of 350 million euros. The decision will help fund concessions to opposition parties, including social security protections and household purchasing power support. Despite the temporary cut, ministers still plan to make childcare almost entirely free by 2029.

Dutch healthcare institute Nivel has reported a significant rise in childhood impetigo cases, with GP visits tracking well above rates from previous years. Health experts link the highly contagious bacterial skin infection to recent summer heatwaves, which allow the bacteria to spread rapidly during outdoor play. While weekly cases dropped slightly in the latest reporting period, overall numbers remain elevated across the country.

Dutch child protection services, local municipalities, and the national government have signed a pact to streamline support for vulnerable families. The new system replaces fragmented institutional care with a single contact point for households in crisis to prevent conflicting bureaucracy. Government ministers described the reform as a fundamental shift that will scale up nationwide following successful regional trials.

The Dutch government has announced plans to ban children under the age of 16 from working as commercial social media influencers and appearing in sponsored family vlogs. Minister Thierry Aartsen warned that treating children as digital business models poses severe risks to their privacy, psychological development, and overall well-being. New, simplified legislation will be presented this autumn to rectify current regulatory loopholes that make child labour laws difficult to enforce online.

ABN AMRO's youth bank BUUT has introduced mobile payments for children from the age of 10, making it the first in the Netherlands to offer this service to under-16s. Parents retain full control over the feature, allowing them to monitor spending, set limits, and guide their children in managing money digitally. The system uses dedicated digital pouches for different spending categories to help teenagers track their expenses.

Amber Alert Europe is launching a campaign to help adults spot early signs of unsafe home situations for children. The initiative focuses on preventing children from running away by raising awareness and offering practical guidance. It highlights clear warning signs and steps adults can take to act early.

A new study suggests that most children with simple appendicitis can recover using antibiotics instead of surgery. While some patients eventually require an operation, the majority avoid the risks associated with general anaesthesia. These findings may soon allow families to choose between medication and surgery for mild cases.

Police in the Netherlands have confiscated more weapons from minors than ever before, with more than 2,300 seized in the past year. The figures show sharp rises in bladed weapons and firearms. Police warn that online influence is driving the trend.