Young people in unrest - Gen Z is letting the crisis phones run hot after Sweden's war warning

FOCUS online Young people in unrest - Gen Z is letting the crisis phones run hot after Sweden's war warning Article from FOCUS Online • 3 hours. In Sweden, many young people contact the telephone counseling service A Swedish children's rights organization has seen a sharp increase in calls to a helpline. Senior defense officials had previously spoken of the possibility of war in the country. Swedish children's rights organization Bris has seen a significant increase in calls to its telephone advice service for young people. The offer, which works in a similar way to Germany's "number against grief", was heavily used by members of Generation Z after senior defense officials warned that the country needed to prepare for war involvement. This is reported by the newspaper “The Telegraph”. Swedish Defense Minister warns young people about war Carl-Oskar Bohlin, the civil defense minister, said at the “Folk och Försvars” conference that “there could be war in Sweden.” He also warned: “For a nation that has enjoyed peace for almost 210 years, the idea that this peace is a solid constant is convenient. But seeking comfort in this conclusion has become very dangerous.” The Defense Minister also made a direct request to the young people in his country, saying: “Are you a private citizen? Have you thought about whether you have time to join a volunteer defense organization? If not: move.” Bohlin’s videos also circulated on TikTok, the social network where a particularly large number of Gen Z members hang out. Youth organization criticizes politicians for war warnings According to The Telegraph, Sweden plans to join NATO as early as July, which would mean greater militarization. The government has also pledged to meet NATO's target of spending two percent of gross domestic product on defense by the end of the year - which is equivalent a doubling compared to 2020 expenditure. Maja Dahl, a spokeswoman for Bris, criticized Defense Minister Bohlin for failing to consider beforehand how his "carefully chosen words" would be received by young people, adding: "They should have provided information for children if they intended such information for them." Adults spread.” Despite the criticism, Sweden's defense minister and Bohlin's highest-ranking generals confirmed Bohlin's statements because “an armed attack on Sweden can no longer be ruled out. War can come to us too.” Micael Biden, the commander in chief, also warned citizens and emphasized the need for mental preparation for a possible war.