Overview of Childhood in Spain and the Basque Country

Dear readers,

This is the third in a series of newsletters dedicated to exploring the challenges and opportunities related to childhood and adolescence in the Basque Country, Spain, and the world. You can subscribe here to our digital newsletter, Basque Country Childhood Digital Newsletter, and also become part of our official community in Basque Country Childhood - Official Group.

As President of UNICEF Basque Country, it is an honor for me to lead this initiative, which represents a commitment to promoting children's rights and seeking collaboration with all public and private actors involved in the well-being of our children and adolescents.

Childhood and adolescence are crucial stages in anyone's life, and their well-being is fundamental to building a more just, equitable, and prosperous society. To assess the state of childhood and adolescence in Spain and the Basque Country, the Economic and Social Council (CES) has published its latest report, offering a comprehensive snapshot of the current situation, ongoing challenges, and future opportunities.

In this newsletter, we will analyze the General Overview of Childhood in Spain and the Basque Country, focusing on demographic changes, the impact of the economic recovery following the 2008 crisis, and the recent crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. We will also present charts that reflect the demographic evolution of the child population, providing a clear and objective view of trends in recent years.

Introduction to the CES Report

The Economic and Social Council (CES) is an advisory body of the Spanish government that produces reports on the most relevant issues for society, covering topics ranging from the economy and employment to social policies. Its 2024 report on childhood emphasizes the need to address the challenges faced by children and adolescents in Spain, and by extension, in the Basque Country.

This report starts from the premise that, although significant progress has been made in promoting children's rights, major challenges persist, especially in terms of inequality and poverty. The 2008 financial crisis and the subsequent recovery, along with the public health crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, have left lasting impacts on many families, particularly in the lives of the youngest.

Impact of Economic Recovery and Recent Crises on Childhood

The 2008 Crisis and Recovery

The 2008 economic crisis severely impacted the Spanish economy and, consequently, the lives of millions of families. Unemployment, cuts in social services, and a lack of investment in child support policies created an adverse context for many families with children and adolescents. During this period, child poverty reached alarming levels, and while economic recovery began to take hold in the 2010s, the most vulnerable took longer to benefit from it.

According to the CES report, in recent years, Spain has managed to reduce its unemployment rate and improve some economic indicators, but the effects of the 2008 crisis persist in many areas, especially in terms of inequality. The recovery has been uneven, and many low-income families still struggle to escape poverty. In the Basque Country, although the effects were somewhat mitigated by regional social support policies, the most disadvantaged families also suffered the consequences of the crisis.

COVID-19 Pandemic Crisis

While Spain had begun to recover from the 2008 crisis, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 dealt a new blow to the economy and family well-being. The pandemic exacerbated pre-existing inequalities, disproportionately affecting families with fewer resources.

• Impact on Education: The closure of schools and the shift to online education highlighted the technological inequalities among households. While some families were able to quickly adapt to online classes, others lacked the necessary devices or connectivity. In the Basque Country, although significant efforts were made to provide access to technology, many vulnerable children were left behind.
• Mental Health: The mental health of children and adolescents was also affected by confinement, uncertainty, and the disruption of their daily routines. The CES report highlights an increase in cases of anxiety and depression among young people, as well as the need to improve mental health services available to them.
• Child Poverty: The pandemic worsened poverty conditions for many families. In Spain, the child poverty rate stands at around 27%, and although it is somewhat lower in the Basque Country, it remains a concern. Economic support policies, such as the Minimum Vital Income, were essential to prevent further deterioration of the situation, but they have not been enough to significantly reduce child poverty.

Demographic Evolution of Childhood in Spain and the Basque Country

One of the key aspects addressed by the CES report is the demographic evolution of childhood, a fundamental topic for understanding social trends and planning public policies. In Spain, the child population has steadily decreased in recent decades, reflecting low birth rates and an aging population.

Demographic Trends in Spain

In 1990, Spain had more than 6.5 million children under the age of 12, representing approximately 16.8% of the total population. However, by 2023, that number had dropped to 5.5 million, accounting for only 12% of the population. This decline is the result of a low fertility rate, currently at 1.19 children per woman, one of the lowest in Europe.

The chart above shows a clear downward trend in Spain's child population, which has significant implications for public policies related to education, health, and social services. With a declining child population, resources need to be adapted to a rapidly aging society.

The Case of the Basque Country

In the Basque Country, the demographic trend is similar to that of the rest of Spain, although with some particularities. Like the rest of the country, the fertility rate in the Basque Country is low, and the child population has decreased in recent decades. However, the Basque Country has implemented family and child support policies that have partially mitigated the effects of this trend.

Although the child population in the Basque Country has declined, social protection policies and investments in education and health have made the effects less pronounced than in other regions. Nevertheless, it remains crucial to increase support for families to reverse this trend and encourage a higher birth rate.

Challenges and Opportunities: Towards a Better Future for Children

The CES report highlights that, although Spain and the Basque Country have made progress in protecting the rights of children and adolescents, significant challenges remain that must be addressed to improve their well-being and ensure optimal development.

1. Fighting Child Poverty
2. One of the main concerns is the high rate of child poverty in Spain. While social support policies have been crucial, more robust and sustainable measures are needed to effectively reduce child poverty. This includes not only improving financial aid but also ensuring access to quality services such as education and healthcare.
3. Improvement of Mental Health Services
4. The pandemic's impact on the mental health of children and adolescents has highlighted the need to strengthen mental health services. It is essential to implement policies that ensure equitable access to psychological and psychiatric care for all young people, regardless of their socio-economic status.
5. Adapting Educational Policies
6. The education system in Spain and the Basque Country must continue to adapt to ensure equal opportunities for all children. This includes digitizing classrooms, improving educational infrastructure, and creating programs that address the needs of students in vulnerable situations.
7. Promoting Family Support Policies
8. In the Basque Country, family support policies have been key to improving the quality of life for children. It is essential to continue implementing measures that allow families to balance work and family life and to promote shared responsibility between men and women in childcare.

Conclusions

The CES report provides a clear view of the progress and challenges facing children in Spain and the Basque Country. While significant progress has been made, it is evident that much remains to be done to ensure that all children and adolescents can enjoy a full and safe life. Fighting child poverty, improving mental health, and ensuring equal access to education are just a few of the most pressing challenges.

From UNICEF Basque Country, we remain committed to promoting children's rights and working closely with local and national authorities to ensure that policies are implemented to protect and promote the well-being of all our children and adolescents.

Liam Neeson’s childhood | UNICEF (youtube.com)

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