The Federation of Non-Governmental Organizations for Children (FONPC), with the support of Ursus Breweries, organized the conference “Inspiration Day – Parenting styles, emotional balance and prevention of alcohol consumption among minors“.
The event brought together authorities, psychology specialists and educational researchers who discussed the theme that, today, the role of the family is more important than ever for the emotional balance of children and the prevention of early alcohol consumption. The event revealed the current situation faced by parents in Romania, ten years after the first national research that explores the link between parenting styles and alcohol consumption among minors.
According to a representative study by World Vision Romania, almost a third (30%) of Romanian children between the ages of 10 and 14 consumed alcohol at least once, signaling an early exposure to risky behaviors – alcohol or other types of addictions.
Specialists explain this phenomenon through the particularities of adolescent development: immaturity in the area of decision control, social group pressure, family models or lack of family support, as well as the influence of social media, increase vulnerability to risky behaviors. For 69% of teenagers in Romania, alcohol is easy or very easy to procure, a level close to the European average.
“The data of the Romanian Agency for Policies and Coordination in the Field of Drugs and Addictions show the size of the problem: 81% of Romanian teenagers aged 15-16 have consumed alcohol at least once, above the European average of 73%, and alcohol is considered the easiest substance to procure. At the same time, 53% of teenagers are at risk of social media addiction, one in two have tried electronic cigarettes, and 25% have had difficulty controlling video games. We are talking about a generation simultaneously exposed to multiple risk behaviors, so it is a generation that needs properly tailored support to navigate these social risks with long-term consequences”, said Dr. Daniela Boșca, Executive Director of the Federation of Non-Governmental Organizations for Children (FONPC).
What has changed in the last decade
The study, carried out by Demos Great Britain and the Institute for Public Policy, together with FONPC and supported by Ursus Breweries, demonstrates that parenting style has a direct impact on the likelihood of adolescent alcohol consumption. The research showed that excessive severity and lack of affection increase children’s vulnerability, while “firm love” – the balance between affection and clear rules – significantly reduces the risk of teenage use. More than ten years on, the reality is more complex. The specialists present at the conference highlighted the fact that, in addition to the vulnerabilities already identified, children face additional pressures today: constant digital exposure, intense social comparison, increased anxiety, difficulties in emotional regulation and a diminished sense of safety. In this context, the fragility of mental health can become a factor that amplifies the risk of early onset of alcohol consumption.
“Today’s conference reconfirms that prevention cannot be achieved by a single actor. For over a decade, through the aboutalcool.ro platform and through partnerships developed with non-governmental organizations and experts, at Ursus Breweries we have been taking an active role in preventing alcohol consumption among minors. We believe that correct information, open dialogue and parental support are essential to reduce risks and contribute to the formation of generations that make responsible choices. The evolution of the problem in the last decade shows us that there is a need for closer collaboration between the authorities, the private sector and civil society, and we will continue to invest in education campaigns and in supporting initiatives aimed at protecting some of the most vulnerable members of the community, children”. said Robert Uzună, Vice President Corporate Affairs Ursus Breweries.
The representatives of political decision-makers and public authorities present at the event emphasized the fact that the prevention of alcohol consumption among children and adolescents cannot be achieved in isolation, but only through a real collaboration between state institutions, schools, health services and civil society, in order to build coherent policies and effective interventions. Preventing alcohol consumption among children requires firm action: strict enforcement, expanded programs in schools, real support for families and partnerships with civil society. The authorities point out that, beyond the existing legislative framework, education and the involvement of each of us remain the most effective tools for preventing alcohol consumption.
The parent-child relationship: A key factor in juvenile development and the influence of the four parenting styles
The conference discussed the parent-child relationship as a key factor in the protection and prevention of harmful behaviors, and the four parenting styles were debated. How parents set rules and give affection to children makes a difference. Democratic style – based on clear boundaries, dialogue and emotional warmth – is associated with more confident children, better school results and strong family relationships. Conversely, the excessive control and lack of emotional closeness of parents with authoritative stylecan fuel anxiety, fear of failure and difficulty adjusting. The absence of boundaries and parental involvement, in the case of neglectful parents, increases the risk of difficulties in assuming responsibility and vulnerability to risky behaviors. Over-permissive parents who provide affection without clear boundaries also do not help prepare children for the reality of real-life pressures and do not provide children with the benchmarks they need.
Emotional vulnerabilities, anxiety, and lack of affective connectedness can increase susceptibility to compensatory behaviors. In contrast, emotional involvement, consistency and parental consistency significantly reduce this risk.
About Ursus Breweries
Ursus Breweries is the largest beer producer in Romania, being the leader of the beer market. The brands in the Ursus Breweries portfolio are: URSUS, Timisoreana, Ciucaș, Peroni Nastro Azzurro, Kozel, Azuga, Pilsner Urquell, Asahi Super Dry. Currently, Ursus Breweries owns 3 breweries: in Brașov, Buzău and Timișoara and a mini-production facility in Cluj-Napoca. Ursus Breweries is part of Asahi Europe & International. For more information about the company and its programs, please visit: www.ursus-breweries.ro and www.desprealcool.ro.
About FONPC
The Federation of Non-Governmental Organizations for Children (FONPC) is a network of non-governmental organizations in Romania, dedicated to the promotion and defense of children’s rights. Founded in 1997, FONPC brings together over 100 member organizations working together to improve policies and practices in the field of child protection and welfare. The Federation carries out advocacy, professional training and research activities, with the aim of creating a safer and fairer environment for all children in Romania.
