Kids

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.

The outdoor swimming season officially launches this Friday, 1 May, though the warm weather brings dozens of immediate safety warnings across the country’s 950 official sites. While 94% of locations have maintained high water quality standards recently, two spots in Gelderland are currently under total bans, and roughly 40 others have issued alerts for blue-green algae or pollution. Authorities urge swimmers to check official updates before diving in, as entering flagged waters can lead to skin irritation or stomach upsets, and swimming always remains at the individual's own risk.

Minister Vincent Karremans is exploring a "pragmatic" legal route to distinguish fatbikes from regular e-bikes, with research results expected this autumn. Despite previous studies labeling such a distinction nearly impossible, the Minister believes he has found specific legal "hooks" that could allow for targeted regulations. This approach aims to facilitate measures like a minimum age requirement and "fatbike-free zones" for local councils, alongside an existing plan to mandate helmets for all electric vehicle riders under 18 by 2027.

The Dutch government has reversed a controversial plan to cut social security outreach services, which would have saved €30 million by reducing efforts to help eligible citizens claim their benefits. Following intense criticism from the National Ombudsman and several political parties, Minister Thierry Aartsen abandoned the cuts to ensure vulnerable people do not fall below the subsistence minimum. To compensate for the financial shortfall, the government will instead lower the income threshold for child budget payments starting in 2027, meaning higher-earning parents will receive less support.

MPs Esmah Lahlah and Don Ceder have introduced a private member's bill aimed at legally mandating the reduction of child poverty. The proposed legislation would require the government to halve the number of children living in poverty by 2035, with the eventual goal of total eradication. Rather than prescribing specific measures, the bill establishes a statutory duty for the cabinet to develop coherent policies, monitor progress transparently, and make necessary adjustments if targets are missed, ensuring the issue remains a priority regardless of the political climate.