Youth unemployment rates are higher than total unemployment rates in many countries, especially after the global financial crisis. Long-term unemployment can harm young people's future prospects. By studying individual and family characteristics, researchers found that these factors can predict vulnerability to long-term unemployment. Despite differences, both Russia and Italy showed similar patterns in the relationship between these characteristics and unemployment risk. Personal and family traits have a bigger impact on unemployment risk than economic conditions. Interventions are needed to prevent a 'lost generation' of young people.