Moldovan lawmaker warns of increased drug accessibility for youth

Liliana Grosu, a member of the parliamentary commission for social protection, health, and family in Moldova, has highlighted the growing risks of drug consumption among children and adolescents. She noted that simple information about the dangers of drugs is insufficient; instead, children must be taught from an early age how to manage stress, emotions, and peer pressure.

Grosu pointed to several factors increasing accessibility, including the spread of cheap synthetic substances and the use of social media networks for distribution. She emphasized that parents must remain vigilant regarding online risks and monitor sudden behavioral changes in minors.

Citing the ESPAD study, Grosu noted that 3.9% of students aged 15 to 16 have used drugs at least once. She suggested these figures may reflect both increased access to substances and more effective detection by medical institutions and law enforcement agencies.