SNSPA launches center for youth addictions / New structure to develop prevention and reintegration policies

The National University of Political Studies and Public Administration (SNSPA) launched an interdisciplinary center on Tuesday dedicated to researching addictions among young people and developing effective public policies. The new structure will analyze the phenomenon and propose solutions for prevention, intervention, treatment, recovery and social reintegration.

The center will bring together expertise from academia, public institutions, the health and education sectors, non-governmental organizations and international partners. American Councils for International Education is participating as a partner, while SNSPA will collaborate with Babeș-Bolyai University, the University of Bucharest and Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy.

The research will not be limited to the consumption of alcohol, tobacco or illegal substances. It will also examine behavioral addictions associated with excessive use of social networks, digital platforms, games and new technologies. SNSPA will assess the scale of the phenomenon, risk and protective factors, its effects on public health, and its impact on academic performance and social relationships.

Center representatives warn that social media addiction also has a civic dimension, influencing how young people obtain information, form opinions and participate in democratic life. Officials from the education sector and representatives of partner universities attended the launch event. The special guest was Mirabela Grădinaru, the life partner of President Nicușor Dan.