Kinderen die niet naar school gaan maar ondernemen

What is a Dutch “thuiszitter”?

A thuiszitter is a Dutch term for a child who has been out of school for over four weeks, a recognised category in Dutch education policy. Onderwijsinspectie statistics report between 4,000 and 7,000 thuiszitters in any given year. Causes range from schoolweigering (anxiety, autism, sensory issues), bullying, mismatched track-placement (advies vs vermogen), to chronic illness. The Leerplichtwet requires schools and gemeenten to find a solution, often through alternative formats: home tutoring, Persoonsgebonden Budget-funded private placements, or vrijstelling exemptions. Some thuiszitters end up running small businesses, freelancing, or pursuing self-directed learning.

In this clip, NOS Jeugdjournaal profiles young entrepreneurs: “Rivan is 10 en gaat niet naar school. Wel heeft hij zijn eigen bedrijfje.”