Understanding the NEET Phenomenon: A Growing Concern
For the last three years, Minh has largely withdrawn from the world around him, spending his days scrolling through social media and nights engrossed in video games. He has effectively severed ties with his friends, isolating himself in the digital universe. While his parents have proposed that he change his field of study, Minh often dismisses their suggestions with a resigned question: “What’s the point of studying when there is AI?” This sentiment echoes a growing trend among young people worldwide, and it points to a deeper issue that merits urgent attention.
The Global NEET Challenge
Recently, Minh’s parents discovered that he is part of a worrying global trend known as NEET, which stands for “Not in Education, Employment, or Training.” As of 2024, nearly 290 million young people worldwide are classified in this category according to the International Labor Organization. In Vietnam alone, the situation is particularly alarming, with projections indicating that about 1.4 million young people may fall into this category by the end of 2025. Contrary to popular stereotypes, this phenomenon isn’t simply a matter of laziness; it underscores a profound disconnection between educational opportunities and the job market’s needs.
A Disconnect Between Education and Employment
The NEET phenomenon reflects a growing contradiction: labor markets are evolving at an astonishing pace, while education systems struggle to keep up. In 2026, employers increasingly demand hands-on digital skills, yet many training programs remain entangled in outdated academic frameworks. The disconnect leaves young people like Minh feeling adrift, as a university degree no longer guarantees a stable job, further eroding their sense of direction.
Moreover, the pervasive “success culture” online exacerbates feelings of inadequacy. Early career setbacks become magnified through social media filters, leading many to withdraw further into isolation to escape judgment. This cycle of self-imposed withdrawal is often compounded by psychological struggles. Prolonged unemployment or repeated rejection can take a toll on one’s self-esteem, leading to anxiety and even depression. Instead of receiving support, many NEET individuals face criticism, which can further entrench their sense of failure.
The Broader Societal Implications
The repercussions of the NEET phenomenon extend beyond individual lives. A generation of young people disengaged from the labor market threatens national productivity and increases social welfare costs. More alarmingly, it poses a risk of broader social and psychological instability, with the potential to lose an entire generation of workers.
Lessons from Australia and New Zealand
Drawing from years of experience in education and training in Australia and New Zealand, it’s evident that innovative approaches can break away from traditional thinking. For instance, a program targeting long-term unemployed youth in Australia didn’t immediately push participants back into academic settings. Instead, it focused on breaking down barriers of isolation through community engagement. Simple activities like community gardening and local volunteer projects were employed to foster social interaction.
One notable success story from this initiative involved a young woman in Brisbane who had locked herself away for years. Through an urban farming project, her initial tasks were basic—managing data and packing produce. Gradually, she gained confidence and eventually enrolled in a course on automated irrigation systems.
Another case involved a former supermarket cashier who lost her job due to the pandemic. On her first day in a computer skills class, she expressed her apprehension about not even knowing how to type. With continued practice in basic digital skills, she gradually rebuilt her confidence, enabling her to apply for office jobs.
These stories illustrate that learning doesn’t always begin with textbooks or certificates; it fundamentally starts with fostering confidence.
Emphasizing Work-and-Learn Models
In New Zealand, work-and-learn models are well integrated, allowing young people without formal qualifications to enter companies as apprentices. Here, opportunities come first, followed by relevant skill development. This approach could have substantial benefits in Vietnam, where short-term apprenticeships with local businesses, such as e-commerce shops or manufacturing firms, can provide valuable on-the-job training without necessitating formal credentials.
District-level vocational centers can potentially offer short reskilling courses that focus on in-demand skills like office computing and digital customer service, providing practical skills needed in today’s economy.
The Role of Society and Families
Addressing the NEET challenge isn’t a straightforward task; it requires a multifaceted approach that accounts for individual needs. Reintegrating a young person into education or employment requires time, patience, and seamless coordination among educational institutions, governments, and communities.
In Australia and New Zealand, unemployed youth can access jobseeker programs alongside basic living allowances, ensuring they are making progress toward educational or employment goals. Society must have safety nets and mental health support tailored specifically for NEET youth, encompassing career counseling, retraining opportunities, and psychological support to facilitate their gradual return to the workforce.
In East Asian cultures, where achievement and social standing are highly prized, the role of families becomes particularly pivotal. Parents can often exert tremendous pressure, leading their children to feel like failures. Instead of enforcing immediate success, families can provide support by promoting small, achievable goals and helping their young adults navigate the complexities of their career paths.
Moving Forward
Without informed, collaborative actions to address the NEET phenomenon, today’s 1.4 million disengaged youth could transform into a significant economic and social burden in the years to come. Though retreating into isolation may offer temporary solace, opening doors to new opportunities demands collective responsibility from families, educational institutions, businesses, and the broader community.