The term Neet refers to 15-29 year-olds who are not in employment, education or training. — AFP
ENTERING the job market can be a challenge for many young people, even the most highly qualified. But some face greater difficulties than others, and can find themselves unemployed and not receiving any education or vocational training. These young people are known as Neets.
This acronym stands for "Not in employment, education or training" and is used to designate young people aged 15 to 29 who are not in education or training, but who don't have a job and might not necessarily be looking for one.
In the European Union, 11.7% of 15-to-29 year-olds were neither employed nor in education or training in 2022, according to figures from Eurostat.
Behind this notion lie a very diverse range of profiles and life paths. Some Neets have few or no qualifications, which makes their integration into the job market very difficult. Others have lost confidence in their ability to find work after dropping out of school, falling ill or experiencing recurrent periods of unemployment; or are devoting themselves to their family life by choice, or due to a lack of suitable childcare (or other social care) solutions.
Disadvantaged backgrounds
On the other hand, some young people have limited prospects because they come from disadvantaged backgrounds. This phenomenon is particularly salient in the United Kingdom, where 10% of Neets have had to turn down a job offer for lack of financial means, according to the 2024 edition of the NatWest Youth Index. A third of the young people questioned in this major survey say they can't afford to undertake the studies necessary to take up the job of their choice.
In this context, it's hardly surprising that many Neets give up hope. But surprisingly, some seem to cope better with their situation than others. They recount their day-to-day routines on social networks, and especially on TikTok, where the hashtag #neet appears in numerous posts. The young adults who are "not in employment, education or training" present on the platform film themselves reading, playing video games or sharing moments of companionship with their pets.
But, make no mistake, the daily lives of most Neets are far from being so enjoyable. Some of the videos posted on TikTok show young adults appearing totally lacklustre, aimless and even completely depressed.
After all, inactivity tends to take its toll on the morale of those who endure it. According to the 2024 edition of the NatWest Youth Index, young Britons who are unemployed and have no plans for education or training have a much poorer mental health than their counterparts who do have plans for the future. – AFP Relaxnews
