Lithuania proposes lowering youth age to 11

Lithuania is considering a significant shift in its youth policy, proposing to lower the official age of youth from 14 to 11 years old.

The proposal, developed by the Youth Affairs Agency (JRA) and a dedicated working group, aims to provide a clear legal basis for extending youth policy measures and services to the 11-13 age bracket. This adjustment aligns with the World Health Organization's definition of adolescence, which spans from 10 to 19 years, a period characterized by rapid social and emotional changes, increasing peer influence, and identity formation.

“

The 11-year limit was chosen not by chance – it coincides with the World Health Organization's recommendations and a child's transition to basic education (fifth grade). The World Health Organization defines adolescence as the period from 10 to 19 years of age. It is precisely in early adolescence that a young person's social and emotional life changes rapidly, peer influence strengthens, and identity and independence are formed.

According to the JRA, the 11-year threshold was chosen deliberately as it coincides with children transitioning to compulsory education, specifically entering the fifth grade. This early adolescent phase is critical for development, and extending youth policy support could foster greater engagement and well-being.

However, this is not the first attempt to adjust the age limit. The Lithuanian Seimas (parliament) previously considered a similar proposal in May, presented by Edita Rudelienė, deputy elder of the Liberal Movement faction. That specific amendment was not approved at the time. The Ministry of Social Security and Labour (SADM) has also submitted a draft amendment to the Law on the Fundamentals of Youth Policy for coordination, which includes the proposed age change from 14-29 to 11-29 years, aiming to enhance the inclusion of young people in decision-making processes.

“

One of the essential proposals is that a young person should be considered a person from 11 to 29 years of age (inclusive), instead of the currently applicable age limit of 14–29 years.