News

18 September 2025

"39% of parents in Bulgaria still use corporal punishment in one form or another – spanking or slapping. One in six children between the ages of 2 and 14 has been regularly subjected to corporal punishment by their caregivers." This was stated by Ombudsman Velislava Delcheva at the launch of the "Be brave, be good" campaign, organized by the State Agency for Child Protection for the second consecutive year.

Delcheva emphasized that working with families was particularly significant in reducing violence against children and overcoming the still-prevailing attitudes in Bulgarian families toward corporal punishment as a model of upbringing.

At the event, it also became clear that in 2024, the State Agency for Child Protection received 6,640 reports of children at risk. Most of the reports were about psychological abuse, as well as physical and sexual abuse. That's why the Agency and the Ministry of Electronic Governance teamed up to make the "Syberkidz Patrol" mobile app. With it, kids and adults can use their phones to send reports to the experts. It will be available for download completely free of charge from the beginning of October. In addition to reporting, the app will provide useful information for children, as well as news and initiatives of interest to them, including informative videos against the use of dangerous substances.

"So many things are already happening, and we see so much every day that we understand there needs to be a modern way for children to connect with the State Agency for Child Protection. From there, they can assess what needs to be done and how, how to intervene, through which authorities, including the Ministry of Interior, so that children can truly feel protected and know that they have someone to turn to," said Social Minister Borislav Gutsanov, host of the event.

 "The goal is for us, adults, through state institutions, non-governmental organizations, and the media, to reach children through new and innovative ways," confirmed Teodora Ivanova, chair of the State Agency for Child Protection.

The campaign was also supported by UNICEF representative in Bulgaria Kristina de Bruin, Deputy Minister of Health Dobromira Kareva, Acting Chair of the Consumer Protection Commission Alexander Kolyachev, Chair of the Council for Electronic Media Dr. Simona Veleva, representatives of the Children's Council, and European gymnastics champion Valentina Georgieva.