Marko Barišić: Croatia outperforms many OECD and EU nations in UNICEF’s child well-being index, excelling in mental health (9th) and skills (3rd). However, physical health challenges, including childhood obesity (31st), highlight areas for improvement.
In Croatia, as we know, people love to criticise everything and anything—sometimes justifiably, sometimes not. Among other targets, the education system—specifically kindergartens and schools—often faces scrutiny. But then comes an evidence-based opinion from a reputable institution that diverges from this daily grumbling, surprising many and highlighting Croatia’s UNICEF achievements.
Unicef report challenges common criticisms
UNICEF, the United Nations agency responsible for children’s quality of life, has ranked data provided by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), whose members include developed nations such as Australia, New Zealand and European Union countries. This showcases the influential role UNICEF plays globally.
In its report on child well-being, published in Croatian media on Wednesday, UNICEF compared 43 countries across these groupings to create a ranking of the best places to “be a child”. Nations were graded across three categories: mental and physical health, and skills.
Croatia ranks surprisingly high in overall child well-being
As expected, the top countries for children are in northwestern Europe. The Netherlands and Denmark lead the list, with Ireland fifth and Switzerland sixth. Croatia, however, has surprised some by securing a high eighth place overall, a strong showing in UNICEF’s assessment.
According to the data, Croatia performed well in children’s mental health, ranking ninth. It achieved an even stronger position in skills, placing third. The issue lies in physical health, where it sits at 31st.
Childhood obesity remains a pressing issue
This low physical health ranking relates to childhood overweight and obesity rates. In recent years, public warnings have emphasised the need for children to spend more time playing or participating in sports, and less time on computers and smartphones. Yet changing children’s diets and habits remains challenging, particularly when parents are often preoccupied with work. UNICEF has often highlighted the importance of addressing such issues.
Challenges in implementing healthy school meals
Hopes were high for the introduction of free healthy school meals nationwide. Initially successful, the initiative faces hurdles: children who dislike daily offerings—such as broccoli or Swiss chard—simply skip the cafeteria and visit nearby bakeries instead. As UNICEF often points out, healthy eating habits are crucial for young people.
Mental health resilience despite pandemic strains
Despite prolonged coronavirus pandemic restrictions—which, fortunately, were less severe in Croatia than elsewhere—children’s mental health remains relatively robust. School closures and remote learning limited social interaction, yet the report highlights Croatia’s commendable performance in this category, which UNICEF noted.
Pandemic school closures and their lingering effects
“Many countries experienced a sharp decline in children’s academic skills due to school closures during Covid-19,” the report states. It warns of the need for additional measures to mitigate or eliminate the long-term effects of extended isolation, a concern echoed by UNICEF.
Unicef calls for prioritising children’s future
“Now, faced with growing economic uncertainty, countries must prioritise education, health and children’s well-being to secure their life prospects, happiness and our societies’ economic stability,” UNICEF concluded. (for more information on UNICEF report click here.