NEET population and possible risks in the school context

NEET populacija predstavlja mlade osobe u dobi 15-29 godina koji ne rade, nisu u sustavu redovnog obrazovanja niti su u sustavu obrazovanja odraslih. Takvoj populaciji često prijeti rizik od socijalnog isključivanja i siromaštva, budući da nisu aktivni. Povezano s neaktivnošću, detektira se problem nezaposlenosti mladih. Nezaposlenost mladih učestalija je tema socijalnih politika, dok NEET tek odnedavno zauzima svoje mjesto u okviru političkih diskursa. Nadalje, spolne i geografske razlike postoje: ženski spol i ruralna područja čine veći udio u NEET-u. Ovim radom želi se pružiti uvid u postojeće stanje NEET-ovaca te se žele pojasniti čimbenici rizika koji mogu povećati vjerojatnost pojave NEET-a. U radu se navode postojeće strategije vezane uz NEET populaciju. Uočava se utjecaj Europske unije na Hrvatsku u pogledu strategija, a naglašava se i važnost uključivanja različitih aktera u stvaranju novih politika. Uz navedeno, spominje se i uloga školskih socijalnih radnika koji bi svojim kompetencijama i znanjima mogli pomoći mladima u riziku od NEET-a. Važno je smanjiti udio NEET-a sukladno Europskom stupu socijalnih prava te ulagati u mlade jer oni su nositelji budućnosti.The NEET population represents young people at the ages 15-29 that do not work, are not included in the regular education system, nor are they involved in adult education. This population is often at risk of social exclusion and poverty due to their inactivity. Linked to this is an issue of youth unemployment. Youth unemployment is a more frequent topic of social policies, while NEET has only recently begun to claim its place within political discourse. Moreover, differences in gender and geographical differences can be found as well: females and people living in rural areas make up the majority of NEET. This paper, hence, aims to provide an insight into the status of the NEET population as well as clarify the risk factors that could increase the likelihood of NEET occurrence. The paper also lists existing strategies related to the NEET population within which the European Union’s influence on Croatia is recognized. Furthermore, an emphasis is put on the importance of including various actors in creating new policies. The school social workers’ competences and knowledge in dealing with youth at risk of NEET are also recognized as important factors. Finally, it is necessary to reduce the number of NEETs in accordance with The European Pillar of Social Rights and invest in young people because they are the torch bearers of the future