Romania unveils national plan to combat youth gambling

Romania has taken a decisive step toward addressing the growing issue of youth gambling and addiction, with the government unveiling a comprehensive national strategy led by the Ministry of Education and Research. The initiative, introduced by Minister Professor Daniel David, seeks to curb risky behavior among young people by combining education, prevention, and community partnerships.

This move follows alarming findings from the 2024 European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs (ESPAD), which revealed an increasing correlation between digital habits and behavioral risks such as gambling and substance use. The new policy is designed not merely as a reactionary measure, but as a long-term framework that integrates prevention, early intervention, and structured cooperation among schools, parents, and local authorities.

A coordinated response to a growing problem

Minister Daniel David emphasized that the strategy aims to transform fragmented school initiatives into a coordinated, nationwide plan of action. The ministry’s approach is organized into three key pillars: external control, internal education and prevention, and specialized intervention where necessary.

“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,” stated Professor David.

This structure ensures that schools no longer act in isolation but rather align their efforts within a larger, well-defined national system. Each region will now have the tools to monitor outcomes, assess behavioral patterns, and refine intervention models as needed.

Education and prevention as the foundation

At the heart of Romania’s plan lies a renewed focus on education as the most effective instrument for prevention. The Ministry of Education is developing new curricula aimed at strengthening students’ understanding of risk management, self-control, and informed decision-making.

Instead of relying on one-time awareness campaigns—which often have limited long-term impact—schools will implement ongoing programs designed to cultivate responsible attitudes toward gambling, alcohol, and drug use. The emphasis is on practical learning experiences, critical thinking, and self-awareness.

Additionally, schools across the country will participate in projects that promote organizational values such as respect, integrity, and emotional resilience. These initiatives will be part of the well-established national framework “A Different Kind of School,” which encourages creativity and social engagement among students.

The Ministry also plans to integrate gambling and addiction awareness into two new high school subjects: Healthy Lifestyle and Psychological Self-Regulation. These courses will address mental health, emotional intelligence, and digital well-being—key factors that influence vulnerability to gambling and substance dependency.

Involving families and local communities

Recognizing that the influence of family and community plays a decisive role in shaping behavior, the Romanian government’s strategy extends beyond the classroom. Local authorities will be encouraged to organize workshops for parents, helping them identify early signs of addiction or risky conduct among their children.

Municipalities will also receive guidance to create joint initiatives with schools, such as mentorship programs, parental support networks, and public awareness campaigns. The aim is to foster a sense of shared responsibility across communities, ensuring that prevention does not rely solely on the education system.

Minister David highlighted that combating gambling among young people requires a whole-society approach, emphasizing coordination among educators, parents, psychologists, social workers, and community leaders. This holistic structure mirrors successful prevention models adopted in several European countries.

Research-driven policy and institutional cooperation

The Ministry of Education is collaborating closely with multiple institutions and civil society organizations to ensure the strategy is grounded in scientific evidence. A central partner in this effort is the National Agency for Policies and Coordination on Drugs and Addictions (ANPCDDA). Together, the two institutions have developed methodological guides for teachers and school counselors. These materials provide clear frameworks for identifying risk factors, managing intervention procedures, and supporting affected 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,” Professor David affirmed.

This focus on research-based policymaking marks a significant evolution in Romania’s education sector. By systematically collecting and analyzing data, the Ministry aims to ensure that every measure implemented can be tracked for impact and adjusted over time to meet evolving needs.

Addressing the digital link to gambling behavior

One of the most concerning trends identified in recent years is the link between increased screen time and exposure to online gambling content. Many young people in Romania have easy access to gambling apps, sports betting platforms, and in-game purchases that mimic betting behaviors.

The new national plan explicitly addresses this digital component. Schools will incorporate modules that educate students about the risks of online gambling, manipulative digital marketing, and deceptive gaming designs. Teachers will receive specialized training to help them discuss these issues in classrooms, using relatable examples from students’ digital environments.

Furthermore, the Ministry is exploring partnerships with technology companies and social media platforms to limit minors’ exposure to gambling advertisements. This collaboration could include age-verification tools and stricter advertising regulations.

Building mental resilience and psychological support

In addition to preventive education, the strategy recognizes the need for targeted psychological support for at-risk students. School counselors and psychologists will play a critical role in early identification and intervention.

The Ministry is expanding its network of educational counselors, ensuring that each school has trained professionals available to provide confidential guidance and mental health support. These specialists will also work with parents and local authorities to coordinate follow-up care when necessary.

Workshops focusing on self-esteem, emotional regulation, and stress management will be organized regularly. Such initiatives aim to strengthen students’ resilience and reduce the likelihood of seeking escape or excitement through gambling or substance use.

Toward a sustainable and ethical education model

Romania’s plan represents a broader shift in public policy—from punitive measures toward preventive and developmental approaches. By emphasizing empathy, collaboration, and evidence-based education, the Ministry hopes to build a system that equips young people with lifelong tools to make responsible choices.

This initiative also reflects a growing recognition across Europe that gambling addiction must be treated as a public health and educational concern, not just a legal or moral issue. Through long-term investment in prevention, Romania aims to reduce not only youth gambling rates but also the social and economic costs associated with addiction.

As Professor Daniel David noted, the ultimate goal is to create “a generation capable of critical thinking, emotional stability, and social responsibility.”

Looking ahead

The national strategy to tackle youth gambling and addiction marks an important milestone in Romania’s education policy. While its success will depend on sustained funding, inter-ministerial cooperation, and community engagement, the framework provides a clear direction for meaningful change.

In the coming months, the Ministry of Education is expected to announce detailed implementation guidelines, including regional pilot programs and evaluation metrics. Civil society organizations have welcomed the initiative, noting that it aligns Romania with broader European Union efforts to protect minors from the harms of digital gambling exposure.

With a comprehensive, research-based approach and a strong commitment to prevention, Romania’s education system is positioning itself at the forefront of youth protection policies in Europe.

Conclusion

Romania’s new national strategy to combat youth gambling and addiction represents a significant and forward-looking step in safeguarding the country’s younger generations. By merging education, prevention, and scientific evidence, the initiative acknowledges that gambling and addiction are not isolated issues but complex social and psychological challenges requiring a collective response.

Through the leadership of Minister Daniel David and the Ministry of Education and Research, Romania is establishing a comprehensive framework that emphasizes early intervention, family engagement, and data-driven policy design. The integration of educational reforms—such as the inclusion of gambling awareness in school subjects and the training of teachers and counselors—demonstrates a proactive and sustainable approach rather than a reactive one.

Furthermore, the plan’s cooperation with local authorities, community organizations, and the ANPCDDA ensures that efforts will extend beyond classrooms, reaching families and communities where prevention begins. By addressing the digital dimension of gambling and promoting emotional resilience, Romania is also adapting to the realities of a rapidly changing technological environment.

While the long-term results will depend on consistent implementation and inter-institutional support, the foundation being laid today signals a decisive shift toward responsible governance and youth protection. Romania’s comprehensive, research-based strategy has the potential to serve as a model for other European nations, illustrating how education and collaboration can transform public policy into a powerful tool for social well-being.

FAQs

What is the main goal of Romania’s new national strategy?
The strategy aims to prevent gambling and addiction among young people through education, community partnerships, and early intervention programs.

Who is leading the initiative?
The plan is led by the Ministry of Education and Research under Minister Professor Daniel David.

What data inspired the development of this plan?
The initiative is based on findings from the 2024 ESPAD report, which highlighted increased risky behavior among youth linked to digital activity.

How will schools participate in the prevention strategy?
Schools will integrate new educational programs, counseling classes, and subjects like Healthy Lifestyle and Psychological Self-Regulation into their curricula.

Will parents have a role in this initiative?
Yes, parents will be involved through community workshops and guidance sessions to help them recognize and address early signs of addiction.

How is research used in this policy?
Scientific evidence from studies like ESPAD informs the design and evaluation of all measures, ensuring that policies are effective and adaptable.

What is the ANPCDDA’s contribution?
The ANPCDDA partnered with the Ministry to develop guides that help teachers and school counselors identify and manage addiction-related issues.

Will the plan address online gambling risks?
Yes, the strategy includes digital education to raise awareness of online gambling dangers and partnerships with tech platforms to limit exposure.

Are there psychological support systems in place?
The Ministry is expanding access to school counselors and psychologists to provide individualized support and promote mental well-being.

What long-term impact does the government expect?
Romania aims to reduce youth gambling rates, strengthen mental health, and foster a responsible, informed generation through sustainable education policies.