Estonia to launch nationwide study on children's rights and parenting

A nationwide study on children's rights and parenting (LÕVU) is set to begin in Estonia this October. This marks the third time the study has been conducted, following previous iterations in 2012 and 2018. The research aims to track changes in knowledge, attitudes, and experiences regarding child-rearing and rights over time.

The study will survey approximately 1,100 children and 1,000 adults across Estonia. For the first time, specific attention will be given to the experiences of children with special needs and their parents. Key focus areas include mental well-being, the impact of social media, crisis management, and experiences with physical and mental violence. Additionally, the research will examine children's privacy rights in digital environments and their readiness to seek help.

Maarja Kärson, head of family policy at the Ministry of Social Affairs, noted that the study is a vital information source for understanding how families navigate their roles. The findings are intended to help the government design better support policies and services for families, particularly in light of declining birth rates and societal changes occurring since 2018.