‘Listen First!’ Panel Promotes Family Strengthening and Healthy Lifestyles for Child Wellbeing in Serbia

 

2 October 2023, Belgrade, Serbia - Fostering strong family bonds and promoting healthy lifestyles are essential for ensuring the overall well-being and bright future of our children. This was the key message of a panel discussion held recently by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in partnership with the Zvezdara City Administration at the 18th "Zvezdariste" Children's Theatre Festival.

The panel discussion revolved around the UNODC Listen First program, which promotes social and emotional learning as a foundation for science-based substance use prevention in early adolescents. 

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“Listening to children's voices is a cornerstone for ensuring their health and safety”, said Žana Glavendekić, UNODC Project Officer. “Children who receive positive attention from an early age grow more confident, less anxious, and are less likely to develop mental health issues and engage in risky behaviour”, Ms. Glavendekić noted.

Panelists included Branislava Cincarević from the Office for Combating Drugs of the Government of the Republic of Serbia; Jelena Vulić, a psychologist, and Vesna Petrović Urošević, Head of the Social Activities Department of the Zvezdara City Administration.

UNODC presented its Science of Care series with a particular focus on the importance of consistent and healthy family routines in fostering parenting competence, child adaptation and mental well-being.

 

During the panel, parents, educators, and experts discussed contemporary challenges in nurturing children, underscoring the significance of evidence-based strategies and collaboration between local governance and international organizations in fostering healthy child development and preventing substance use.

The ‘Listen First’ panel forms part of a successful, long-term collaboration between UNODC and the Zvezdara City Administration in implementing prevention programs, such as "Strong Families" and "Skills for Adolescents".

Learn more about 'Listen First' here