Romania Plans National Strategy to Tackle Youth Gambling
Romania’s Minister of Education and Research, Professor Daniel David, introduced a new plan to fight gambling and addiction among teenagers. The strategy focuses on prevention, education, and partnerships between schools, families, and local authorities. It builds on data from the 2024 ESPAD report, which showed a growing link between digital habits and risky behavior among youth.
Clear Structure for Action
Professor Daniel David said the ministry is acting urgently to address gambling and substance use among students. The plan includes three main areas of focus — control outside schools, prevention and education inside schools, and specialized support when needed.
“The Ministry understands the urgency of implementing concrete actions, as reflected in the ‘Zero Tolerance for Violence and Drug Use’ reform. To be effective, we have organized thousands of annual school activities into a coordinated intervention framework.”
This structure helps schools and local authorities work together, rather than running isolated programs.
Education and Prevention in Schools
The ministry is developing new educational programs that teach students how to manage risks and make informed decisions. These programs focus on practical actions instead of one-time awareness campaigns.
In addition, schools will introduce projects that promote a strong organizational culture built on shared values. These initiatives will oppose violence, gambling, and drug use. The ministry will include them in the nationwide “A Different Kind of School” initiative.
Topics related to gambling and addiction will also appear in orientation and counseling classes and in two new high school subjects — Healthy Lifestyle and Psychological Self-Regulation.
Collaboration and Research-Based Policy
The ministry is working closely with local governments and civil society organizations to build a unified response. One example is the partnership with the National Agency for Policies and Coordination on Drugs and Addictions (ANPCDDA). Together, they created two methodological guides that help teachers identify and prevent addiction-related problems among students and families.
“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.”
Through these partnerships, schools can apply consistent standards and share results across regions.