Freedom for kids to move through the world on their own may be the key to the Netherlands’ top spot in childhood happiness.

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Dutch kids are the happiest kids in the world, according to a 2025 UNICEF report. romrodinka/iStockphoto/Getty Images. Parenting. See all topics. Facebook Tweet Email Link. Link Copied!

Many Dutch children enjoy a freedom of movement that most American kids don’t, which might be the key to why Dutch kids are the happiest kids in the world, according to a 2025 UNICEF report.

Dutch kids are the happiest kids in the world, according to a 2025 UNICEF report. - romrodinka/iStockphoto/Getty Images EDITOR’S NOTE: Mary Frances Ruskell graduated from high school last month ...

Many Dutch children enjoy a freedom of movement that most American kids don't, which might be the key to why Dutch kids are the happiest kids in the world, according to a 2025 UNICEF report.

Many Dutch children enjoy a freedom of movement that most American kids don’t, which might be the key to why Dutch kids are the happiest kids in the world, according to a 2025 UNICEF report.

Most American kids don’t have anything close to this degree of freedom. Only 33% of American children between the ages of 9 and 11 are allowed to bike or walk to a friend’s house alone ...