Key Moments:
- Romania’s Ministry of Education and Research has introduced a national plan targeting gambling and addiction among youth.
- The initiative builds upon findings from the 2024 ESPAD report linking digital habits to risky behaviors.
- Collaboration across schools, families, local authorities, and civil society organizations forms the backbone of the new strategy.
Strategic Focus on Prevention and Education
Romania’s Ministry of Education and Research has therefore taken decisive action to combat gambling and addiction issues affecting teenagers. At the same time, this approach places coordination at its core, focusing on prevention, education, and collaboration. Specifically, the strategy is structured around three main areas: supervision outside school grounds, educational programs within schools, and targeted support for students who need additional help.
Professor Daniel David, Minister of Education and Research, stated that the ministry is now moving swiftly to address problems related to gambling and substance use among students. Furthermore, he emphasized that “The Ministry understands the urgency of implementing concrete actions, as reflected in the ‘Zero Tolerance for Violence and Drug Use’ reform. To achieve this, we have organized thousands of annual school activities into a coordinated intervention framework.”
This coordinated strategy is designed to avoid fragmented efforts by empowering schools and local authorities to work together under a unified plan.
Expanding Education Programs and New Curriculum
In addition, the rollout introduces innovative programs within schools to teach practical risk management skills and encourage informed decision-making. Through these efforts, the Ministry hopes to promote a culture rooted in values that reject violence, gambling, and drug abuse. These initiatives form a key part of the national “A Different Kind of School” campaign.
Gambling and addiction awareness will feature in both orientation and counseling classes. In addition, two new high school subjects, Healthy Lifestyle and Psychological Self-Regulation, will address these topics as part of the curriculum.
Collaboration and Evidence-Based Action
The Ministry is actively partnering with local governments and non-governmental organizations to reinforce its objectives. One such partnership is with the National Agency for Policies and Coordination on Drugs and Addictions (ANPCDDA). Through these collaborations, methodological guides have been developed to assist teachers in recognizing and preventing addiction issues among students as well as their families.
As highlighted, “The use of scientific data, such as those from the ESPAD report, is fundamental to developing, monitoring, and adapting effective public policies. Our new approach relies on evidence that has been scientifically validated.”
The strategy seeks to unify standards, making it possible for schools to share successful outcomes and lessons learned throughout different regions.
At a Glance: Main Areas of Romania’s National Youth Gambling Strategy
| Focus Area | Actions |
|---|---|
| Supervision Outside Schools | Coordinating with families and local authorities to monitor at-risk environments |
| In-School Prevention and Education | Integrating risk management, gambling, and addiction topics into curriculum and counseling |
| Targeted Support | Providing direct assistance for students identified as needing intervention |
- Author
Daniel Williams
