New Latvian campaign urges parents to spot early signs of behavioral change in children

Latvia's Children's Rights Protection Center (BAC) has launched a new awareness campaign titled 'Notice the First Signals', aimed at helping parents and other adults recognize changes in children's behavior at an early stage. Campaign organizers stress that signs such as withdrawal, sudden mood swings, or other unusual reactions are often mistakenly dismissed as a 'difficult age' or simple disobedience, when in fact they may signal deeper emotional or behavioral difficulties.

At the campaign's launch event, experts discussed how to recognize the first warning signs, how to talk to children about them, and where families can turn for support. An online test was also developed alongside the launch, allowing parents and caregivers to check their own ability to notice and understand such signals.

Data points to a widespread issue

According to research conducted at Riga Stradiņš University, 9.3% of Latvian adolescents aged 11 to 15 have significant emotional problems, while 6.4% have behavioral problems. Campaign experts say these figures highlight the need to strengthen early recognition of risks so that help can be provided before difficulties escalate into more serious consequences.

Challenging stigma

Representatives of the Children's Rights Protection Center note that parents often delay seeking help, hoping problems will resolve on their own, or out of fear of judgment. The campaign aims to reduce the perception that behavioral or addiction-related problems in children result from 'bad parenting', instead framing them as a signal that a child needs support.

As part of the campaign, the public will have access to educational materials and expert-prepared content on how to talk with children and what support services are available. The initiative is being carried out under a project co-financed by the European Social Fund Plus, focused on support measures for children with behavioral or addiction problems and their families.