Luxembourg Local Reference INFOrmation
Information for parents with teenagers on youth organisations, youth employment law, driving, drugs, alcohol and teenage pregnancy.
The Service National de Jeunesse is the overseeing body responsible for the implementation of national youth policy in Luxembourg. They organise activities, volunteer programmes, sports activities and youth holidays and run youth centres in the country.
There are a number of websites aimed specifically at young people looking for information:
Below is information on: Youth OrganisationsThe Centre Information Jeunes provides a place for young people aged 12 to 25 to find information and advice about school orientation, holiday jobs, health issues, training, employment and trips abroad.
Maisons de Jeunes are meeting points for young people situated throughout the territory of Luxembourg. Young people can find information, support and advice on a number of issued affecting their lives.
Inter-Actions is a social organisation focusing on young adults, integration, community work and in general any concerns young adults may have.
Jugendtreff Number One is a meeting place for young people from 12 to 25 years old, providing advice, free Internet access, computer rooms and activities.
Scouting and Girl Guides
Youth CardsThe European Youth Card, also called Euro<26, is a card available for those aged 12 to 25 and valid for one year. Holders of the card can benefit from discounts on transport, museums, cinemas and cultural and leisure activities throughout Europe. The card can be purchased for a small fee online or at the Centre Information Jeunes.
Teenagers and SchoolingEducation is compulsory in Luxembourg for all children aged 4 to 16. Teenagers with difficulties in following the mainstream curriculum can contact their local CPOS (Centre de psychologie et d'orientation scolaires).
The CPOS provides a number of services including:
School holidaysThe school year is divided into three terms. Many older students choose to work during the school holidays.
During the summer and winter holidays, teenagers and younger children can participate in residential holiday camps known as Colonies de Vacances.
Student EmploymentStudents in full time education are legally authorised to work from the age of 15. The following conditions apply:
The minimum salary (salaire social minimum) must comply with the following:
Three copies of the contract must be signed; one copy is kept by the student and one by the employer who must also send a copy to the Inspection du Travail et des Mines.
Youth EmploymentLuxembourg has one of the lowest unemployment rates in Europe. The financial sector is one of the largest employers in the country, mostly in Luxembourg-City. There is a high demand for young qualified employees, whether in banks, accounting, tax or law firms. Luxembourg has also adopted several new incentive schemes to attract other businesses across the country. Given the cosmopolitan aspect of the country, multilingualism is of paramount importance whilst looking for work. Usually, a minimum of two languages is required, although many companies will request three to four languages to first language standard. The Administration de l'Emploi - ADEM is the official governmental centre for work. Every employer must declare any vacancy to the ADEM. Young people between 16 and 21 years may qualify for unemployment benefits providing they register with the employment office within 12 months of completing studies or training. The age limit may be increased to up to 28 years depending on the type of studies undertaken. Benefits are paid after 26 weeks of consecutive inscription as a job seeker and are calculated at a rate of between 40 and 70 percent of the minimum salary (depending on the person's age). They are paid for 12 months within a 24 month period. The unemployed may register provided they are resident in Luxembourg and have a Social Security number. The registration is a necessary step to be entitled to unemployment benefits. The ADEM will arrange for employers and potential employees with the adequate qualifications to be put in contact with each other. If an appointment is made by ADEM on behalf of a job-seeker, failing to attend may result in the loss of unemployment benefits.
There are several schemes to encourage employers to recruit young people. Every job-seeker and employer will be advised on the most suitable scheme and will be followed on a regular basis by an adviser.
Teenagers and DrivingThe legal minimum age to drive a motorbike over 125cc is 18 years and for a moped of less than 125cc, the minimum age is 16. Helmets are mandatory for drivers and passengers on both mopeds and motorbikes. The legal minimum age to drive a car is 18 years. Identity card, driving licence, vehicle registration papers and insurance documents must be carried at all times. To pass a driving test, the candidate must pass a theory and practical examination. Upon successful completion of both tests, the licence is issued. This is a probationary licence, valid for two years. There are restrictions for probationary drivers and the legal alcohol limit is lower. During this probationary period, a new driver must take an obligatory driver training course at the Colmar-Berg driver training centre, the Centre de Formation pour Conducteurs (CFC). The tests may be taken in English (notify the centre when booking the appointment). The course must be taken within two years of acquiring the driving licence but a minimum of three months or 3,000 Km driving experience after the date that the licence was first issued.
Teenagers and AlcoholThe alcohol limit when driving is 0.50 grams of alcohol per litre of blood. However, the limit is 0.20 grams of alcohol per litre of blood for new drivers. Driving under the influence of alcohol is punished by fines and points are withdrawn from the licence. Serious punishments apply to drivers who are seriously over the limit. Refusing to submit to a breathalyser test will lead to further penalties. The minimum legal age for the consumption or purchase of alcohol in Luxembourg is 16. Proof of age should be asked for with each purchase. These rules do not apply in the home where parents may allow younger children to drink if they wish. There are regular English-speaking Alcoholics Anonymous and Al-Anon meetings in Luxembourg as well as meetings in French and Luxembourgish.
Teenagers and DrugsThe use of illegal drugs in Luxembourg is less widespread than in some other European countries. However, the consumption of cannabis is on the increase amongst the younger population. Jugend- an Drogenhëllef (JDH) is an association helping young adults overcome drug and substance abuse. Counselling is available in English. JDH also provides medical assistance including various therapies.
Narcotics Anonymous (Narcotiques Anonymes) provides support for people with drug dependency problems. Meetings in French and Luxembourgish take place weekly, and it is possible to speak in English during the Luxembourgish meetings.
The members of Cocaine Anonymous seek to help others to recover from their addiction using the 12 Step Recovery program and welcome any person, including teenagers, who desires to stop using cocaine and any other mind-altering substances.
Teenage PregnancyTermination of pregnancy (IVG - Interruption Volontaire de Grossesse) is legal in Luxembourg up to 12 weeks from the date of conception provided the woman's health will not be endangered by the procedure. However, there are restrictions and a doctor has the right to refuse to perform an abortion and is only required by law to terminate a pregnancy if the mother's life is in danger. The consent of either the parents or guardians or a judge decision is required for minors under 18. The Family Planning organisation in Luxembourg is responsible for providing information on contraception, sexually transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS, pregnancy, sexuality, sterility and the menopause.
Teenagers and HomosexualityRosa Letzebuerg is the main gay and lesbian organisation in Luxembourg providing advice and psychological support for homosexuals in Luxembourg including help for coming-out.
Further Information
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