UNICEF’s latest Child Wellbeing Index says that children in the Netherlands are the happiest in the world. For the tenth year in a row, Dutch children have received this top ranking, while many other countries are worried about mental health, stress, and loneliness among young people.

The main reason is that Dutch children enjoy more independence. From a young age, they travel alone by bicycle to visit friends and go to school. Parents and teachers support this freedom, which helps children feel confident and happy.

Because of this way of life, the Netherlands has drawn global interest. Other countries are now looking at the Dutch example to find ways to improve children’s happiness and wellbeing in their own communities.