The Repercussions of the Economic Recession in Greece on Adolescents and their Families

Greece is among the countries hit most severely by the recent global economic crisis. Given that poverty in childhood and adolescence can have lifelong implications, this publication investigates the impact of the crisis on various aspects of adolescence well-being. Understanding of this is critical for guiding prevention policies.

The findings from this study show that the impact of the economic crisis is strongly reflected in an increase of parental unemployment, tensions and fights within families, constraints on going on holidays, and in fewer private lessons. Students’ satisfaction in life has fallen – only students feel the effects of the crisis more strongly than younger ones.

It is hoped that data from this and similar studies will aid in understanding the impact of economic crisis on adolescents and families as well as help shape policies to protect them in future.