Support for youth in Iceland questioned by Berglind Gunnarsdóttir Strandberg

Berglind Gunnarsdóttir Strandberg, the director of Foreldrahús, a counseling center for parents of children struggling with behavioral, emotional, and substance abuse issues, has expressed concern over the adequacy of support for children in society. In a recent interview, she stated, “I don’t feel that we are a child-friendly society or one focused on children in general.”

She has observed significant changes in the mental health and behavior of many young people over recent years, which she attributes to an increase in youth violence and substance abuse, including drug use among children as young as 12. These alarming trends have led more youth to seek help from Foreldrahús.

Strandberg highlighted that the operations of Foreldrahús are currently at risk due to ongoing financial shortages. “There is no lack of solutions in Iceland, but rather a lack of funding for the existing solutions,” she noted. “There are many good resources in place; it’s just a matter of whether they will survive amidst uncertainty.”

Strandberg’s comments underline the pressing need for better support systems for youth as problems related to substance abuse continue to escalate.