Outcomes from UNICEF's youth forums are thought-provoking

Results from the Save the Children youth forums

There was a great deal of consensus across the country regarding the experience of the young people who took part in the Save the Children youth forum on intimate partner violence. Everyone agreed that this was far too common and much more widespread than most people realise. It was repeatedly stated that emotional abuse and controlling behaviour were problems in relationships, but also that the young people were afraid to speak out.

In February and up to April 2026, Barnaheill held six youth conferences on sexual violence in young people's intimate relationships, with funding from the Ministry of Justice. In total, around 300 students took part in the conferences, which were held in Hafnarfjörður, the South Coast, Egilsstaðir, Selfoss, Akureyri and Ísafjörður.

Location tracking devices, digital violence, pornography and choking

Among the findings was that pop culture and pornography have a significant impact on the behaviour, attitudes and demands in the intimate relationships of young people. Technology has an influence in this, and there is a demand to always know where the other person is by having location tracking switched on, e.g. on Snapchat. Digital violence is common, and there is a lot of boys exchanging nude photos of their girlfriends without their knowledge. It is also common for young people to feel pressured to have sex, and to try choking and physical injuries during intercourse.

The youth forums were attended by students from the upper years of primary school and from secondary schools, and the gender balance was fairly even. Work was carried out with local contacts, along with staff from the local authorities who work with young people. The findings from the youth parliaments will be presented at a seminar hosted by Barnaheill on Wednesday, 29 April, where professionals, government officials and representatives from the youth parliaments will be invited to take part in a discussion.

A setback for equality and conservative attitudes

There is a backlash against gender equality on social media, and the sexes are receiving very different messages. Gender stereotypes are shaping ideas of the perfect boyfriend and girlfriend, and conservative attitudes are creeping into the interactions and relationships of young people. Girls are supposed to look good and be feminine, look after the home and the children, and be prepared to put their boyfriend first. Boys, on the other hand, are supposed to be masculine, strong, dominant, take care of the car and anything that breaks, work hard and earn money, and buy flowers and gifts.

A clear call for more sex education and prevention

There is no difference in the message from young people to the government between regions. They demand that the government ensures better sex and gender education for all children and adolescents. The education should start immediately at the earliest stage and be made a compulsory subject. Much more funding is needed for the sector, for prevention and education, and access to professionals and resources within schools must be increased. Politicians also need to be much better role models.

Examples from the youth parliaments:

• Pornography is the root problem regarding sexual violence in relationships, especially for boys.
• It's incredibly difficult to talk about, and then you might not be believed.
• There must also be education for those who use violence.
• Adults have no idea how common domestic violence is.
• Adults must be careful not to belittle the experiences of young people. YOU don't get to decide how WE feel!

Results of the 2026 Youth Parliament

The news is based on a statement from Save the Children.