Commissioner for Children Warns of Summer Risks, Calls for Parental Support

Bratislava, 5 July (TASR) - Commissioner for Children Jozef Miklosko has warned parents about the increased risk of substance use, online addiction, gambling, and gaming apps among children during the summer, urging adults to use this time not only for rest but especially to build safe and meaningful relationships with their children, TASR has learnt from the Commissioner's Office. “Summer holidays aren't only a time of freedom but also a period when children seek new role models, impulses, or experiences. If they don’t find them at home, they look elsewhere — often in the online world or among peers who may lead them astray,” Miklosko stated. He pointed to the results of the 2024 European School Survey on Alcohol and Other Drugs (ESPAD), which shows that 30 percent of young people try alcohol, marijuana, LSD, or ecstasy for the first time during the summer. The commissioner emphasised that summer can be a turning point for children’s mental health, their trust in the “adult” world, and their personal development. According to him, the best protective factor is a strong relationship with the most important people in a child’s life. lin/mcs