In Latvia Today, 17:431 The study found that 87% of teenagers do not have an emotional connection with any adult at school

In addition, almost two-thirds (62%) of students do not have an adult to talk to regularly about their problems.

“How healthy today’s teenagers are, how healthy our country will be tomorrow. Educational institutions are also affected by this, as international studies show that the psycho-emotional state of a teenager determines whether the teenager will cope with problems if they arise, whether the student will attend classes instead of going to school. It largely depends on whether the teenager has at least one trusted person at school,” explains LPMA founder Nils Saks Konstantinov. He adds that investing in adolescent health is the most valuable investment possible.

A recent study also concluded that the majority (93%) of teenagers would seek support from their peers and friends in case of problems. On the other hand, more than half (56%) would turn to their parents, but every fourth (24%) teenager would consider seeking support from a specialist. Only 4% of teenagers admit that they would seek support from their teacher.

Konstantinovs draws attention to the lack of suitable services in Latvia that stimulate the well-being of teenagers: “We still do not have a single therapeutic institution in the country where teenagers have access to modern, long-term support free of charge. We have many great individual professionals willing to give their heart and soul, but we have a clumsy and disorganized management with no strategic vision. This suggests that good will or large funding is not enough, but new ideas, smart technologies and capable specialists with a vision of the future are needed.”

Thus, the newly founded association – Latvian Adolescent Mental Health Association is organizing Adolescent Days, within the framework of which, on May 20, the students’ challenge “NO – to vaping! YES – for the trip!” determination of the winner and a conference dedicated to the well-being of teenagers “Teen. Health. Solutions.”.

The conference, which will bring together versatile and leading experts in Latvia, will take place with the support of the information technology company “Tietoevry” and the public relations agency “Golin Riga”. At the conference, the authors of the study will present the latest data on the state of psycho-emotional health of adolescents and the situation in schools, will present innovative welfare solutions, as well as discuss and evaluate world practices with the aim of improving the health and quality of life of adolescents in the future.

Conference “Teen. Health. Solutions” will be opened by the President of the Republic of Latvia, the first lady Andra Levite, Valērija Vārna, the chairman of the board of the information technology (IT) company “Tietoevry Latvia” and Arnis Vērzemnieks, a partner of the public relations agency “Golin Riga”.

At the same time, the Latvian school challenge “NO – to vaping!” will be announced at the event. YES – for the trip!” laureates who will be provided with the opportunity to go on a class excursion outside Latvia. The challenge, which lasts 12 days, asks the class not to use disposable e-cigarettes and vapes, to complete practical tasks and promotes understanding of evidence-based prevention activities and responsible decision-making.

The research and the goals of the newly established association will be presented in more detail at the conference “Teenager. Health. Solutions”, which on May 20 at 10.00 will be held in the complex of offices and co-working spaces “Teikums”, Gustava Zemgala gatve 74, in the hall “Minox”. It will be possible to follow the event online.

The research data was obtained on the “Edurio” online platform, identifying approximately 3,500 students in 153 schools in Latvia, as well as in a qualitative survey conducted by the Adolescent and Psychotherapy Center among adolescents aged 14 to 19 years.