Romanian psychologists urge parents to monitor teens after early cannabis case

At a workshop organized by the College of Psychologists Bistrița‑Năsăud, psychologist Ramona Pașca recounted a patient, an 11‑year‑old who was using cannabis, and highlighted warning signs such as unexplained weight changes, red eyes, dilated pupils, severe sleep disturbances, isolation, lying and declining school performance. She emphasized the critical role of parents in early detection, supervision and open communication, and noted the Rebound primary‑prevention program launched in the county last year, which is now training local facilitators to expand its reach.

A separate media guide provides practical steps for parents of children aged 11‑14 in middle school, recommending daily open communication, clear study and sleep routines, active collaboration with teachers, and strategies to recognize and address school‑related anxiety. Both sources underscore the need for proactive parental involvement to prevent substance use and support adolescents' emotional and academic well‑being.