Report Highlights Shifting Attitudes
A new report released by the Forum for Living History (Forum för levande historia) on February 17, 2026, has revealed a notable increase in negative attitudes among Swedish youth towards minority groups, with a particular focus on LGBTQI individuals. The study, titled 'Unga tycker om andra – En studie av skolelevers attityder, tillit och utsatthet' ('Youth think about others – A study of school students' attitudes, trust, and vulnerability'), surveyed 8,127 students in ninth grade and years 1-3 of upper secondary school during the 2024-2025 academic year.
The findings indicate a significant shift compared to a similar study conducted by the authority in 2013. Petra Mårselius, Superintendent at the Forum for Living History, described some of the figures as 'clearly alarming' and emphasized that the results 'need to be taken very seriously.'
Sharp Rise in Negative Views Towards LGBTQI Individuals
The most striking change observed in the report concerns attitudes towards LGBTQI people (referred to as HBT-persons in the comparative data from 2013). The proportion of students expressing clearly negative attitudes towards this group has surged from 3 percent in 2013 to 15 percent in the latest study. This represents a 'break from the trend' of increasing tolerance that had been observed in previous years.
The comprehensive survey also examined attitudes towards other minority groups, including:
- Immigrants
- Afro-Swedes/Black people
- Jews
- Muslims
- Roma
- Sami
Overall, the report points to a general increase in negative perceptions across various minority groups.
Increased Vulnerability Among Students
Beyond attitudes, the report also shed light on the students' own experiences of vulnerability. There has been an increase in the number of students reporting exposure to bullying, threats, and violence. The percentage of students who stated they had been teased rose from 33 percent in 2013 to 51 percent. Reports of threats increased from 8 percent to 13 percent, and physical violence from 11 percent to 16 percent.
The study also noted gender differences, with girls generally showing more tolerance than boys. Boys exhibited the most negative attitudes towards Roma and Muslims, while girls were most negative towards Roma and immigrants.
Government Response and Future Outlook
The study was commissioned by the Swedish government, and the report was presented to Minister for Gender Equality, Nina Larsson. Minister Larsson underscored the importance of utilizing the insights from the report within schools and other youth-focused activities. While the report does not delve into the reasons behind these changes, it recommends further research to deepen understanding of the observed trends. Mårselius acknowledged that it is 'too early to say if the changes are temporary or a long-term trend,' but stressed the need to strengthen efforts for equal value and reduce vulnerability among Swedish school students.
Despite the concerning findings, the report also highlighted a positive aspect: 72 percent of the surveyed students expressed respect for other people's opinions and ways of life, believing that society benefits from diversity.
5 Comments
Raphael
Blaming teenagers for societal problems is too easy. What about parental influence or the impact of social media?
Leonardo
Thank you, Forum for Living History, for shedding light on these crucial issues. The government must act decisively.
Michelangelo
It's heartbreaking to see increased intolerance among youth. Our schools and communities must do better.
Donatello
Noting that girls show more tolerance than boys is an important distinction, but simply stating it isn't enough; we need strategies tailored to address the specific factors influencing boys' attitudes.
Michelangelo
It's genuinely concerning to see the rise in intolerance, especially towards LGBTQI, but the report doesn't delve into the underlying reasons, which are crucial for effective intervention.