2007-09-26

REPORT ON THE STATE OF CHILDREN IN ALATVIA IN 2005

THE MINISTRY FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILY AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF LATVIA

Report on the State of Children in aLatvia in 2005

RIGA

2006

ABBREVIATIONS:

MoCFA                       Ministry of Children and Family Affairs

CSCC                          Children’s Social Care Centre

CSB                             Central Statistics Bureau

EU                               European Union

ESF                             European Social Fund

MoF                            Ministry of Finance

MoI                             Ministry of the Interior

GDP                            Gross Domestic Product

ICT                              Information and Communication Technologies

MoES                          Ministry of Education and Science

SSAMSIA                   Secretariat of Special Assignments Minister for Society Integration Affairs

MoC                           Ministry of Culture

LEIS                            Project of the Latvian Education Informatization System

MoW                          Ministry of Welfare

SEA                            State Employment Agency

NGO                           Non-Governmental Organisation

PCCSA                       Professional Career Counselling State Agency

PMC                           Pedagogical and medical commission

MoRDLGM                Ministry of Regional Development and Local Government Matters

SCSCC                       Specialised Children’s Social Care Centre

MoT                            Ministry of Transport

MoJ                             Ministry of Justice

MGF                           Maintenance Guarantee Fund

MoE                            Ministry of Environment

SYIC                           State Youth Initiative Centre

SCCF                          State Culture Capital Foundation

MoH                           Ministry of Health

HPSA                          Health Promotion State Agency

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

Introduction...........................................................................................................................

1. Evaluation of the Demographic Situation.............................................................................

1.1. Number of Residents......................................................................................................

1.2. Mother's Age.................................................................................................................

1.3. Number of Children in a Family......................................................................................

1.4. Most Significant Tendencies in the Demographic Situation...............................................

2. Rights of the Child to Health and Health Care Services.......................................................

2.1. Early Childhood Development........................................................................................

2.1.1. Health Condition of New-born Infants.........................................................................

2.1.2. Initiatives and Measures Promoting Healthy Development of Infants..............................

2.1.2.1. Vaccination of Infants...............................................................................................

2.2. Children's Health............................................................................................................

2.2.1. Indicators of Children's Condition of Health.................................................................

2.2.2. Morbidity of Children..................................................................................................

2.2.3. HIV/AIDS Infected Children.......................................................................................

2.2.4. Health Care in Hospitals..............................................................................................

2.2.5. Abortions....................................................................................................................

2.2.6. Mortality of Children...................................................................................................

2.2.6.1. Infant Mortality.........................................................................................................

2.2.7. Road Traffic Accidents................................................................................................

2.2.8. Children's Traumatism.................................................................................................

2.2.9. Children and Young People Having Addiction Problems...............................................

2.2.10. Computer Addiction..................................................................................................

2.2.11. Measures Promoting Children's Health.......................................................................

2.2.12. Health and a Safe Environment..................................................................................

2.3. Most Significant Tendencies Characterising Children's Condition of Health.......................

3. Rights of the Child to Welfare............................................................................................

3.1. Quality of Life of Families with Children..........................................................................

3.2. Economic Activity of Minors...........................................................................................

3.2.1. Measures for the Promotion of Youth Employment.......................................................

3.3. State Social Allowances for Families...............................................................................

3.4. Provision of Children with Means of Support..................................................................

3.5. Social Assistance of Local Governments.........................................................................

3.6. Rights to Dwelling...........................................................................................................

3.7. Most Significant Tendencies, which Characterise the Level of Welfare of Families with Children     

4. Rights of the Child to Familial Care....................................................................................

4.1. Child and Family............................................................................................................

4.2. Extra-familial Care of Children........................................................................................

4.2.1. Children in Institutional Care........................................................................................

4.2.2. Adoption and Alternative Forms of Extra-familial Care for Children..............................

4.2.3 Care in Foster Families.................................................................................................

4.2.4. Adoption.....................................................................................................................

4.2.5. Social Protection of Orphans and Children Left without Parental Care..........................

4.3. Most Significant Tendencies in the Provision of Rights of Children to Familial Care...........

5. Rights of the Child to Education and Rest and leisure..........................................................

5.1. Pre-school Education.....................................................................................................

5.2. General Education..........................................................................................................

5.2.1. Availability of Computers and the Internet....................................................................

5.3. Education of Ethnic Minority Children.............................................................................

5.4. Activity of the State Pedagogical and Medical Commission in 2005.................................

5.5. Provision of Informal (Interest) Education........................................................................

5.5.1. Training of Youth Guards.............................................................................................

5.5.2. Vocational Oriented Music and Art Education..............................................................

5.5.3. Scientific Research Activity..........................................................................................

5.6. Opportunities for Spending Leisure Time.........................................................................

5.6.1 Theatre........................................................................................................................

5.6.2. Music..........................................................................................................................

5.6.3. Dance.........................................................................................................................

5.6.4. Visual and Applied Arts...............................................................................................

5.6.5. Technical Creation.......................................................................................................

5.6.6. Hobby Groups in the Field of Environmental Education................................................

5.6.7. Book Reading.............................................................................................................

5.6.8. Activity of Children's and Youth Camps.......................................................................

5.7. Activity of the State Youth Initiative Centre.....................................................................

5.8. Most Significant Tendencies in Provision of the Rights of Children to Education and Leisure Time   

6. Rights of the Child to Special Protection.............................................................................

6.1. Criminal Offences against a Child....................................................................................

6.2. Social Rehabilitation for Children - Crime Victims...........................................................

6.3. Children in Conflict with the Law....................................................................................

6.3.1. Minors in Places of Imprisonment................................................................................

6.3.2. Education in Places of Imprisonment............................................................................

6.3.3. Social Work................................................................................................................

6.3.4. Social Correctional Education Institutions.....................................................................

6.4. Children with Special Needs...........................................................................................

6.5. Most Significant Tendencies in Ensuring Special Protection to Children............................

7. Civil Rights and Freedoms of the Child...............................................................................

7.1. Child's Identity...............................................................................................................

7.2. Most Significant Tendencies in Characterising Children's Rights to Citizenship..................

Summary...............................................................................................................................

In accordance with Section 65, Clause 8 of the Protection of the Rights of the Child Law the Ministry of Children and Family Affairs in co-operation with other State and local government institutions prepares a report on the condition of children in the State once a year since 2003 summarising information regarding the quality of life of children in Latvia and submits it to the Saeima and the Cabinet.

The report compiles information regarding the most current fields, which characterise the condition of children, identifies the main problems and analyses causes thereof. Information is classified according to the children's rights declared in the Convention on the Rights of the Child: rights to health and health care, rights to welfare, rights to familial care, rights to education, rest and leisure and cultural events, children’s civil rights and freedoms, as well as special protection of children. The report compiles information regarding measures taken in 2005 for the improvement of the condition of children in Latvia.

In order to obtain a more detailed insight into the condition of children in the State, statistical data regarding the years 2003, 2004 and 2005 are included and compared in the Report, as well as changes in this field during the preceding decade – since 1995 – have been evaluated. Analysis of the situation in the field of employment, education, home, health, social services, culture, sports, protection of the rights and interests of children and youth and in other fields is provided.

Information regarding the condition of children in the State compiled by the Ministry of Children and Family Affairs, the Ministry of Education and Science, the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Welfare, the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Health, the Secretariat of Special Assignments Minister for Society Integration Affairs, as well as the Central Statistics Bureau, is included in the report.

In 2005 the number of residents in Latvia continued to decrease and as in the preceding year the number of deceased persons (in 2005 – 32 777) exceeded the number of births (in 2005 – 21 629) in all the Republic’s towns and districts.

There were 2 294 000 residents in Latvia at the beginning of 2005 (in 2004 – 2 306 000), which is 11 800 less than in the preceding year. The number of residents in Latvia has decreased by 80 000 in the time period from the beginning of 1999 to the beginning of 2004.

The largest number of births was registered in 2003 for the first time since 1996 – 21 006 children were born, but in 2004 the birth rate reduced again a little – 20 334 children (-672) were born, which, however, is a little bit more than in the preceding years in the time period from 1996 to 2002. One of the possible means for promotion of birth could be the raising of the amount of State social benefit for families with children.

The improvement of the birth indicator is observed in 2005 when 21 629 children were born in Latvia, which is the highest number of newborn infants in the last decade. By comparison, 20 334 children were born in 2004, which, however, is more than during the preceding years in the time period from 1996 to 2002.

The number of children born in towns in 2005 exceeded the number of children born in 2004 by 771 children (in 2005 – 14 591, in 2004 – 13 820 children), but in the countryside 6 906 children were born in 2005, which is 392 children more than in 2004 (6 514 children).

The proportion of children in the total number of residents decreased in 2005, composing 18.9 % in the total number of residents. Thus, also the level of the demographic load reduced in Latvia – 565, but in 2004 – 591 the number of persons not having reached and having exceeded working age on average per 1 000 persons.

Table 1. Number of Childbirths and Newborn Infants

Source: CSB data

The level of birth of children in resident age groups from 25-39 years increased in 2005 in comparison with 2004. Altogether 13 685 children were born to this age group in 2005, which is 1 260 children more than in 2004.

The average age of a mother of a newborn infant continued to increase in 2005 and it was 28 years (in 1995 – 26 years, in 2004 – 27.7 years). The average age of a mother when the first child is born is also increasing, and it was 25.2 years in 2005 or 1.7 years more than in 1995.

Birth of children in the age group up to 18 years of age reduced in 2005 in comparison with 1995, however, in comparison with the preceding 2004, the birth rate in this age group increased by 32 cases (in 1995 – 506, in 2004 – 254, in 2005 – 286).

The number of minor mothers in comparison with years 2003 and 2004 has increased, i.e., 451 adolescents from 15-17 years of age have given birth in 2005, which is 11 adolescents more than in 2004.

 The number of children who are born in a family as the second children, has increased – 6 873 – in 2005 in comparison with 2004, and that is 563 children more than in 2004 when 6 310 children were born in the family as the second children. Birth of the third and the fourth children in the family continued to increase, however birth of the fifth children in the family diminished by 32 children (in 2005 – 570 children, in 2004 – 602 children).

• The number of residents in Latvia continued to decrease in 2005 and as in the preceding year the number of deceased persons exceeded the number of births;
• in 2005 an improvement of the birth indicators was observed, 21 620 children were born in Latvia, which is the highest number of new-born infants during the last decade and which is more than in 2004 (20 334);

·        the number of children in the total number of residents decreased in 2005 and composed 18.9 % in the total number of residents, thus decreasing the level of the demographic load in Latvia;

• in 2005 the birth of children increased for women in the age group 25-39 years of age, when 13 685 children were born to the women of this age group, which is 1 260 children more than in 2004;
• in 2005 the birth of children to minor mothers increased by 32 children;
• the average age of a mother increased by almost two years since 1995 and it was 28 years in 2005;
• the number of live born children increased by 1 163 in 2005 in comparison with 2004;
• the number of such families, in which the second, the third and the fourth child was born, increased.

Indicators as regards the health condition of newborn infants in Latvia in 2005 do not differ significantly from the preceding year. The proportion of practically healthy newborn infants (I health group – healthy children who do not have chronic illnesses, physical development according to the age) slightly increased, thus causing a decrease in the proportion of newborn infants in the II health group (children with the risk of development of chronic illnesses). Of the newborn infants 3.5% were in the III health group (children with chronic illnesses in a compensated, sub-compensated or decompensated form). But more significant improvements took place in the field of health condition of new-born infants and in comparison with 1995 the number of new-born infants in the I health group increased by 12 %, in the II health group it decreased by 10.9 %, and in the III group it decreased by 1.1 %.

Table 2. Health Condition of Newborn Infants in Latvia

(number of children under medical observation)

Source: CSB data

The morbidity rate of children during the first year of life slightly increased (+293) – from 44 048 cases in 2004 to 44 341 cases in 2005. The most significant diseases in the morbidity structure of the health condition of newborn infants still were respiratory tract diseases, followed by specific conditions originating in the perinatal period, digestive system diseases, nervous system diseases and infections and parasitic diseases.

   In comparison with 2004, different kinds of morbidity increased in 2005 in the result of consequences of injuries, poisoning and other external causes, which 550 children (+67) up to 1 year of age suffered. However, in 2005 specific conditions of the perinatal period decreased (-465) – 4 526 cases in comparison with 2004 when there were 4 991 cases.

The number of children with digestive system diseases increased in 2005 in comparison with 2004 by 105 cases (in 2005 – 3 285 cases). However, in comparison with 2004 (1 190 cases of contracting a disease) the number of infection and parasitic diseases decreased by 104 cases (in 2005 – 1 086 cases). 

  According to statistical data, during the previous years newborn infants fell ill less often. In 2005 the total frequency of morbidity of newborn infants decreased – from 405.8 events of diseases per 1 000 live born children in 2004 to 382 cases of diseases per 1 000 live born children in 2005.

The increase of the proportion of breastfed infants in 2005 is evaluated positively. In the time period from 2000 to 2005 the proportion of breastfed children up to 1 year of age increased from 9% to 17% and for children up to 6 months of age from 29% to 44%. The chance of survival of breastfed children within the first months of life are at least six times higher because breastfeeding decreases the death rate from infectious diseases.

3. Table. Proportion of Breastfed Children (%)

Source: CSB data

However, these indicators are still low. Thus, it is important to continue to educate society regarding the significance of mother’s milk in the health and development of the child. Moreover, it is important to ensure the observance of the rights guaranteed by legislation to such working mothers who continue to breastfeed children.

In 2005 there were several initiatives for the promotion of the healthy development of infants, which were mainly organised and ensured by the HPSA.

For example, the Baby-Friendly Hospital initiative was implemented, within the framework of which at the end of 2005 the title of Baby-Friendly Hospital had already been granted to 10 medical treatment institutions of Latvia, which ensure birth assistance. Also informative material “Zīdīšanas ABC” [ABC of Breastfeeding], “Kā zīdīt savu mazuli” [How To Breastfeed Your Child] in Latvian and Russian was published and made available free of charge in all medical treatment institutions, which ensure birth assistance. The work of the HPSA was directed towards implementation of the requirements of the Global Criteria and the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes.

Vaccination is the most efficient mean for prophylaxis of infectious diseases. It radically reduces the morbidity with infectious diseases or even completely controls some of them, prevents the threats of a potential epidemic, and helps to reduce significantly social and economic losses caused by infectious diseases. The fact that in comparison with 2004 the morbidity with vaccine-dependent infectious diseases in 2005 decreased (pertussis, meningococcal infection, rubella, mumps) or remained at the level of the previous years (diphtheria) is evaluated positively. The stable tendency of increase in the immunisation level observed in Latvia is also evaluated positively. In 2005 the immunisation level reached the preferable vaccination level of 95% against almost all infectious diseases specified in the vaccination calendar for children. For example, the booster shot against pertussis, diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis up to 2 years of age was received by 95.6% of children, against mumps, measles, rubella up to the age of 8 years was received by 98.3% of children.

4. Table 4. Immunisation Level of Children in 24 Months of Age (%) in Latvia in Year 2005

Source: data of the MoH

Within a decade the health condition of newborn infants and children from 3 to 14 years of age has improved. In 2005 the proportion of practically healthy (I health group) children continued to grow in this age group. The proportion of practically healthy children slightly decreased in the adolescent group (15-17 years) in comparison with 2004. However, in evaluating the tendencies of the last decade at large, the health condition of adolescents has improved slightly.

Table 5. Health Condition of Children and Adolescents (%)

Source: CSB data

In 2005 the number of health disorders detected for school age and pre-school age children during prophylactic examinations of children continued to increase. An increase of language disorders was observed regarding pre-school age children. The number of children to whom scoliosis has been detected continues to increase – 47.1 cases from 1 000 pupils (in 2004 – 40.9 cases). In 2005 the proportion of language disorders and visual difficulties detected in prophylactic examinations of children up to 14 years of age also increased, that is evidence of an inactive and unhealthy lifestyle.

Table 6. Results of Prophylactic Examinations of Children in Latvia in the Years 2003 -2005

(from 1 000 examined children of appropriate age)

Table 6 (continuation)

Source: CSB data

In 2005 morbidity with varicella decreased significantly in comparison with 2004, i.e., 3 037 cases less than in 2004. However, morbidity with scarlet fever (+246), viral hepatitis (+34), as well as scabies (+81) increased. Morbidity with pediculosis (+302) also increased in all age groups.

Morbidity with sexually transmitted diseases – syphilis and gonorrhoea had increased in 2003 (+33), but in 2004 morbidity with gonorrhoea (-16) decreased. However, in 2005 morbidity with gonorrhoea increased again for 6 cases. Concurrently morbidity with syphilis decreased for 19 cases in 2005 (in 2004 – 36 events of morbidity). Mostly girls were among the sick persons.

In 2005 morbidity of children with tuberculosis (-53) decreased, which was 18.9 cases per 100 000 children.

In comparison with the preceding year morbidity with malignant tumours (-16) and mental illnesses (-299) also decreased.

The fact that in the number of emerging schizophrenia, schizotopic disorder and nightmare cases in the age group from 0 to 14 years of age there was observed a tendency to reduce from 22 cases in 2003 to 10 cases in 2005 is evaluated positively. At the same time, a reduction of emerging organic mental, including symptomatic, disorders from 92 cases in 2003 to 77 cases in 2005 was observed in the age group from 15 to 17 years of age.

Table 7. Morbidity of Children (0-17) with Individual Diseases

in Latvia in the Years 2003 -2005

Source: CSB data

According to the data of the CSB, cases of HIV infection diagnosed in children decreased in 2005. 8 new cases of HIV infection were diagnosed in children, and it is 14 cases less than in 2004 (in 2004 – 22 cases). Six of the children infected in 2005 are boys and two are girls. In two cases children have acquired HIV infection from their HIV infected mother through vertical transmission. Two 15 and 18 year old adolescent girls have acquired HIV infection through heterosexual contact and one boy – through the intravenous administration of narcotic substances. In three cases the route of infecting is not known.

AIDS was diagnosed in three children in 2005.

In 2005 the number of children who have undergone medical treatment in hospitals continued to decrease in comparison with the years 2003 and 2004. 

In 2005 health care provided in hospitals to children up to 14 years of age and adolescents from 15-17 years of age was mostly related to medical treatment of diseases in respiratory tract system (36.8% of children up to 14 years of age and 19.8% of adolescents from the number of hospitalised children and adolescents).

Injuries, poisoning and other consequences of external cause (9.7% of children from 0-14 years of age and 17.6% of adolescents) were the second most frequent reason for medical treatment of children in hospitals.

A significant number of children was medically treated in relation to digestive system diseases (9.5% of children from 0-14 years of age and 12.5% of adolescents) and infectious and parasitic diseases (10.5% of children from 0-14 years of age and 4.4% of adolescents), and health care provided in hospitals to 3.6% of children from 0-14 years of age and 9.3% of adolescents from 15-17 years of age was related to mental and behavioural disorders.

Table 8. Distribution of the Number of Children Medically Treated (Discharged) in Hospitals

According to Disease and Age Groups

Source: CSB data

The average duration of medical treatment of children in a hospital has decreased in 2005 – from 8.5 days in 2003 to 7.3 days in 2005. The longest medical treatment or 117.2 days was to children suffering from tuberculosis of respiratory organs, as well as septicaemia (in 2004 – 107 days).

The number of artificial abortions in Latvia has a tendency to decrease, however, they still are common. Thus, 12 785 artificial abortions were performed in 2005, which is 5 405 abortions less than in 2004 (in 2004 – 18 190, in 2003 – 14 508, in 1995 – 25 933).

In 2005 the number of abortions in the age group from 15-17 years of age decreased to 374 (-48) in comparison with 2004. The number of abortions for girls in the age group up to 14 years of age is almost invariable – 11 cases. 

Table 9. Number of Abortions to Minor Persons

Source: CSB data

In comparison with 1995 the mortality of children significantly decreased in 2005 from 880 to 377 cases.

Mortality of children from external causes decreased in 2005 in comparison with 2004 in total. External causes were the reason of death of 143 children, which were 16 cases less than in 2004 (344 cases). 42 of them were accidents involving transport (-9), drowning – 28 (-4), in 8 cases the death of children resulted from the influence of smoke, fire and flames (-3).

However, it should be noted that the mortality of children from external causes, as well as in the result of drowning and violence, increased in the age group from 0-4 years of age.

Table 10. Mortality by Causes of Death in Different Age Groups

Source: CSB data

Infant mortality is one of the indicators, which provides a view regarding general condition of health of residents, characterises pre- and postnatal health care, as well as social situation in the State.

Infant mortality continued to decrease in absolute numbers in 2005 – 168 infants died (in 2004 – 191).

In 2005 the number of infants deceased from 28 days to 1 year of age significantly decreased (from 75 to 47) in comparison with 2004, thus, improving the indicator of infant mortality, which was 7.8 per 1 000 live born infants (168 cases) in 2005, in comparison with 9.4 (191 case) per 1 000 live born infants in 2004. However, regardless of the referred to tendency Latvia has the highest infant mortality among the European Union Member States. The lowest infant mortality is in Liechtenstein (2.7), also Iceland has a low infant mortality – 2.8 per 1 000 live born infants.

Table 11. Infant Mortality in Latvia in Absolute Numbers

Source: CSB data

Nevertheless, the indicators of perinatal mortality in 2005 did not change significantly (both in 2004 and in 2005 there were 215 cases of death), however, due to the higher birth rate, the indicator of perinatal mortality decreased (from 10.5 to 9.9 cases per 1 000 live and still born infants).

Table 12. Causes of Death of Children up to 1 Year of Age in the Main Disease Groups in Latvia (Number of Children Deceased in the First Year of Life)

Source: CSB data

It is particularly necessary to pay attention to infant mortality in the result of consequences of external cause, which was the reason of death for 11 infants in the years 2004 and 2003 and for 15 infants – in 2005. In comparison with 1995 this indicator has decreased by twofold.

However, violence was the reason of death of infants in 4 cases in 2005, in 2 cases – in 2004.

In 2005 in the State the number of children injured as a result of accidents was 78 children (864 children) less than in 2004 and the number of children who perished was 2 children (23 children) less than in 2004, the total number of children who perished was 23 children (-2).

In comparison with 1995, the total number of road traffic accidents involving victims increased in 2004 (from 4 056 to 5 081). However, this number decreased to 4 466 cases in 2005. The total number of perished persons in 2005 decreased (from 516 in 2004 to 442 in 2005). However, in 2005 the number of perished children up to 15 years of age increased (in 2004 – 6, in 2005 – 12).

The number of children injured up to 15 years of age decreased in 2005 in comparison with 2004 (in 2004 – 649, in 2005 – 576).

Table 13. Road Traffic Accidents

Source: CSB data

Among children the least protected traffic participants – pedestrians, cyclists and passengers – suffer the most, and it compels to conclude that particular attention should be paid to this group of traffic participants in guaranteeing safety, educating and promoting awareness. Taking into account the age of children, it may be concluded that children from 10-14 years of age most frequently suffer in road traffic accidents. Children up to 6 years of age suffer injuries the least.

Most frequently children – passengers suffer in road traffic accidents because parents do not use safety belts and also do not order children to do so, moreover, special child seats are also not used.

One of the causes resulting in accidents, in which the least protected traffic participants – pedestrians – suffer, is negligence. The large part of pedestrians suffer injuries on pedestrian crossings. Some drivers ignore pedestrians and do not stop at pedestrian crossings. Very frequently children run out on the carriageway of the road without verifying the situation on the street. The reason for accidents during the hours of darkness of the day is not using reflective materials. The State Police organises the campaign “Esi redzams” [Be Visible] throughout Latvia for improvement of the safety of pedestrians.

Traffic accidents of cyclists may be explained by the fact that parents of children buy a bicycle wishing to provide pleasure to their child, but they forget the main thing that the bicycle is also a means of transport and that the driver thereof has duties – to reach the age provided for in legislation in order to drive the means of transport, as well as to pass the rights to drive a bicycle.

Table 14. Distribution of Children Perished and Injured in Road Traffic Accidents

(up to 15 Years of Age) According to the Status of a Road Traffic Participant

Source: CSB data

Traumatism is still the main reason of death of children in all Europe. In Latvia traumatism is the second most frequent reason why children result in hospitalisation and the main reason of mortality of children. Accidental traumatism (for example, road traffic accidents, poisoning, falling from a height, injuries in fires, drowning and social traumas), intentional traumatism (harming oneself); consequences of violence and warfare may be distinguished. Transport traumatism of children is still one of the most current problems in State traffic. Although in 2005 children suffered in road traffic accidents comparatively less frequently than in 2004, however, it still is a statistically large number in the total evaluation (in 2005 – 4 466 cases, in 2004 – 5 081 cases).

In Latvia the number of children (0-14 years of age) who have suffered in traffic accidents is the largest among all the EU States – 5.58 per 100 000 residents, the same applies to persons drowned – 8.70 per 100 000 residents. The largest number of traumas is in the poorest strata of the society, because the poorest children live in places with a high intensity of traffic, in houses by roads where there are fewer safe sites for playing.

According to the data of the State Addiction Agency, 1 026 minors (from 10-17 years of age) having problems caused by the use of alcohol, narcotic and other psychoactive substances were registered in the addiction service at the end of 2005, and it is more than in 2004 (945) and in 2003 (965), i.e., 371,9 per 100 000 adolescents of the relevant age.

At the end of 2005 the total number of children addicted to narcotic and psychotropic substances, intoxication or excessive use registered in the addiction service was 361 (at the end of 2004 – 431), from whom 54 had been diagnosed with addiction, but 307 – with intoxication or harmful excessive use of narcotic and psychotropic substances.

            In 2005 of children up to 18 years of age who have a problem of using narcotic and psychotropic substances 140 were registered for the first time, which is 62 cases less than in 2004 (in 2004 – 202). From them 10 children were diagnosed with addiction and 130 children were diagnosed with intoxication or harmful use of narcotic and psychotropic substances.

Boys comprised 74.3% of the 140 young persons registered for the first time and 25.7% were girls. Analysing the young persons registered for the first time in 2005 by age groups, it is apparent that the largest part (78.6%) is young persons who are 15-17 years of age (in 2004 - 74.3%) – 74,3%).

In 2005 there were 3 children registered for the first time in the age group up to 14 years of age who have an addiction to narcotic and psychotropic substances and 27 children to whom intoxication or harmful excessive use of narcotic and psychotropic substances had been detected. From the 3 children registered with a diagnosis of addiction: an 11-year-old boy is registered with the diagnosis of addiction to tobacco, a 12-year-old boy – with addiction to inhalants (glue) and a 13-year-old girl with addiction to several psychoactive substances (alcohol, marijuana).

In analysing the minors registered for the first time by the main substance used, it is apparent that the structure of substances used has clearly changed during the last years. The use of several narcotic and psychotropic substances among minors has increased. If in 2001 the use of narcotic and psychotropic substances among minors registered for the first time was in 13.3% of cases, then in 2005 it was already in 46.4% cases.

Statistical information of the last years as regards the addiction field testifies that children and adolescents more frequently use alcohol. At the end of 2005 the number of children registered in relation to excessive use of alcohol was 157 more (658) than in 2004 (501)  In Riga 382 minors were registered in relation to excessive use of alcohol at the end of 2005 and that is 58% of all the minors registered.

There were 5 adolescents up to 17 years of age (in 2004 – 9) who were registered with a diagnosis of addiction to alcohol for the first time in 2005. There were 430 minors registered for the first time with acute intoxication or excessive use of alcohol, i.e. 42% more than in 2004 because then 302 minors were registered for the first time during the year. The youngest patient in 2005 was only 9 years old.

Precise information regarding the use of tobacco products among minors as regards 2005 is not available. However, in analysing the data of different researches regarding smoking among children and adolescents, it may be concluded that the use of tobacco products among minors is common because approximately 1/3 minors use them and this number has a tendency to grow. Latvia is among those European Union States where the number of young people smoking is the highest.

Availability of information technologies and the opportunities offered may quickly and in a short time lead to excessive use of a computer, infatuation and finally also to addiction thereto, which is a disease. Minors also come into contact with undesirable effects caused by information technologies.

Precise statistical information regarding computer addiction problems among children is not being compiled, also comprehensive studies on the distribution of this phenomenon in Latvia have not been conducted. However, an insight in the distribution of this phenomenon among children in Riga may be gained from the research “Distribution of Addiction to New Technologies Among Young People in Riga City”, which was conducted by the Institute of Philosophy and Sociology of the University of Latvia upon commission of the Riga Addiction Prevention Centre of the Riga City Council in year 2004. (Pupils up to 20 years of age were surveyed in the research, however, the data regarding children up to 18 years of age were separated individually as regards several questions).

In accordance with the data of the research all in all the leisure activities related to the use of a computer have occupied a significant place among pastime of young people: Of young people 25% use a computer on average one – three days per week, 24% on average four – five days per week, 20% – almost every day. Of the surveyed persons 11% spend more than 4 hours in front of the computer, and 7% of respondents spend 6 and more hours in front of the computer. Boys, not girls use a computer more frequently – on average four days.

Use of a computer affects the physical condition, as well as the mental health of young persons. The answers testify that the most frequently observed disorders are related to the deterioration of eyesight, headaches, dizziness, backache, and physical fatigue. All in all two thirds (66%) of young people acknowledge that they have felt some symptoms in relation to the use of a computer, which testify regarding the negative effect of the use of the computer on human health. The fact that 35% of young people consider that frequently the best medicine against depression, low spirits, perturbation is working with a computer (particularly playing games) testifies regarding the impact on the mental health of young people. Of young people 26% sometimes feel filled with elation even from the very thought of games, Internet, etc. The referred to answers and the fact that young persons become angry if someone tries to limit the time or to withdraw them from working with a computer altogether (19%), the fact that the young people lie in order to hide their infatuation with the computer (11%) and the fact that the young people have problems in studies, which have emerged due to this infatuation (the most frequently referred to mark in the computer addiction risk group is “5” and “6”, while among other young people it is “6” and “7”) and conflicts in the family (26%) testify once more that excessive use of new technologies has a significant impact on the mental world and actions of young people.

 Authors of the study brought forward several factors as regards emerging of computer addiction – excessively long periods of time spent in front of the computer, loss of control over one’s behaviour and actions, conflicts in the family, at school, etc. Within the framework of the analysis of the results of the research 14% of the surveyed respondents form the computer addiction risk group: of these 2% have an addiction to the Internet, 2% - an addiction to “chat”, approximately 5% of the surveyed young people – an addiction to games. The computer addiction risk is more widespread among boys and the youngest pupils. Among boys almost every fifth (19%) educatee of secondary educational institutions in Riga belongs to the computer addiction risk group, for girls the corresponding number is 11%.

During the research mentioned above a conclusion also was made that computer addiction may be very closely related to gambling addiction – young persons who visit slot-machine halls more or less regularly are more among such young people who are theoretically called the participants of the computer addiction risk.

Although it is specified in Section 50 of the Protection of the Rights of the Child Law that a child may not have access to gaming houses and a child may not participate in gambling, 30% among surveyed minor pupils, however, have been in some type of a gambling house.