Opinion by Romy (16): Without a fake ID, there is nothing for young people to do in Amsterdam on a Friday night
Sixteen-year-old Romy argues that the lack of age-appropriate nightlife venues in Amsterdam leaves young people with no safe or social options on Friday nights. She calls for more inclusive spaces, suggesting that restrictive policies currently force teens into isolation or risky, unsupervised environments.
In a recent opinion piece, 16-year-old Romy argues that adolescents in Amsterdam face a social crisis due to the lack of accessible nightlife venues for those under the legal drinking age. With clubs strictly enforcing age limits, many young people are forced to spend their Friday nights isolated at home or in unsafe, unsupervised outdoor spaces. Experts and data from the Social and Cultural Planning Office suggest that this lack of social infrastructure contributes to poor mental health, as teens increasingly retreat to digital spaces rather than forming real-world connections.
Romy contends that restrictive policies against underage drinking and nightlife access are counterproductive, pushing youth toward secretive and risky behavior instead of fostering responsible social habits. She advocates for the creation of inclusive, age-appropriate venues where young people can gather safely. By providing legitimate spaces for socialization, the city could improve the overall social health of Gen Z, allowing them to experience independence and community without the need for fake identification or illicit activities.
Based on reporting by parool. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.
