Study: Generational Addictions - Drugs and Screens

The "I Made You, I Love You" association, which brings together almost 200,000 members, presented the results of a study conducted by CURS on the perceptions and experiences of mothers in Romania related to education, safety, addictions, mental health and domestic violence. The research shows that although drugs dominate the public discourse, everyday problems are more related to digital addiction: 70% of children spend excessive time on their phones and 55% in front of the TV. Young mothers are especially afraid of drugs, while mature mothers consider screens to be the main threat.

• Differences between urban and rural areas

Mothers in cities are primarily afraid of TikTok and the internet, while in rural areas the fear is associated with their entourage and networks such as Facebook. The level of education also influences the perception of children's problems: mothers with higher education report hyperactivity and anxiety, those with high school education - anxiety and sadness, and those with less than high school education - impulsivity and lack of concentration.

• Parental burnout and fragile support

The data is alarming: 61% of mothers feel overwhelmed, 64% exhausted and 58% sad. Only 23% manage to make time for themselves. Specialized support is lacking - only 5% turn to a psychologist, and 18% do not ask anyone for help. The study shows that 35% of mothers know victims of domestic violence, but 34% do not know where to turn, and only 7% trust the effectiveness of public campaigns. In addition, the role of the father remains marginal: only 42% are considered "very involved", compared to 77% in the case of mothers.

• "The Red Button”

"Mothers need a plan for big problems, a map of intervention in case their fears come true. The red panic button regarding addictions is already pressed,” said Laura Cosoi, the founder of the association. She emphasized that only 8% of mothers know what to do in cases of crisis and launched a national petition, "A Nation of Parents Without a Map.” The presentation of the study results was attended by Luciana Elena Buliga, vice president of the National Agency for Policies and Coordination in the Field of Drugs and Addictions, psychotherapist Irina Petrea, and sociologist Andreea Domşa. The "I Made You, I Love You” group, created on Facebook in 2024, brings together almost 200,000 people from Romania and the diaspora. Every month, approximately 15,000 new members join, a sign of the need for solidarity and support among parents.