In 2024, Kaloyan who is one of our young Platform members and part of the Communication Co-Creation Team, ran a study at his high school in Bulgaria to see what students identified as problem areas. Here's what his fellow students had to say!
The aim was to understand the opinions of a representative sample of students at the Dr. Petar Beron Language High School in Kyustendil, and to identify problematic areas for children in Bulgaria.
The survey gathered 50 responses from students and their parents. 90% of the participants were teenagers, while the remaining respondents identified as parents.
Children's main concerns
- Listening to children: Over 65% responded negatively, that there are not enough opportunities to express their personal opinions on issues that concern them.
- Future opportunities: Opinions were divided. Almost half said that students do not have opportunities that align with their personal identities. Conversely, half felt that personal skills are valued and that there is consideration for future fulfillment.
- Social environment: Approximately 57% felt that children in Bulgaria do not live in a nurturing environment. 42% expressed concern for their safety while away from home.
- Online safety: Concerns were raised about online safety, with over 75% saying that they don't feel safe while surfing the internet. There are many reported cases of cyberbullying in Bulgaria, often involving underage victims.
- Drug use: 84% indicated that access to drugs in Bulgaria is easy, with various types of drugs reportedly available in a number of entertainment venues. Participants rated the effectiveness of drug prevention on a six-point scale, with more than 40% giving an "unsatisfactory" rating.
- Wellbeing in schools: In a free-form response, other areas of concern were highlighted, particularly aggression in Bulgarian schools. They suggested that mechanisms should be established to encourage mutual support among students. Some noted that verbal communication between children has also deteriorated.
- Compared to the EU: 65% of respondents said that children in Bulgaria are not developing on an equal footing with their peers in EU member states.
The results of the survey were presented at a Platform workshop. The school updated its information on important issues and understood what steps it needed to take to increase the level of prevention.