National Initiative Targets Youth Vulnerabilities in the Digital Age
A Nationwide Call for Prevention
Over 6,300 students across Bulgaria have taken part in the “You Are Not Alone” campaign during the 2024/25 academic year, an initiative launched by the National Revenue Agency (NRA) and the Customs Agency. The campaign is designed to raise awareness about the dangers of gambling and synthetic drug use, especially among minors who are increasingly exposed to these risks through social media and online platforms.
This preventive effort is in response to the growing concern about the ease of access young people have to both gambling websites and synthetic drugs, often glamorised or disguised within social media content. The initiative includes school visits, live demonstrations, and interactive sessions, making it one of the most direct government interventions on this front.
Svilengrad Session: Lessons Through Engagement
The latest event, held on 19 June in Svilengrad, brought together over 300 students for an immersive educational experience. Spearheaded by Stefan Bakalov, Head of the Anti-Drug Trafficking Department, and Anna Mitova, Director of Communications at the NRA, the session included a live demonstration with trained customs dogs to make the message tangible and memorable.
During the session, Mitova stressed that underage gambling exposure is alarmingly widespread. “Unfortunately, a large part of the children have already had contact with gambling, although by law they are prohibited for persons under 18,” she said. “Our main goal is prevention.”
Wider Context: Illegal Sites and Self-Exclusion Measures
The campaign is part of a larger regulatory push in Bulgaria. Since January 2025, the NRA has blocked more than 1,000 illegal gambling websites, cutting off access to unlicensed operators targeting minors and vulnerable individuals. Additionally, Bulgaria’s self-exclusion register has seen over 45,000 entries, with recent reforms increasing the minimum self-ban period from 30 days to 12 months.
This change is aimed at ensuring longer-term protection for those struggling with gambling addiction, especially among young adults.
Addressing the Dual Threat of Gambling and Drug Use
A key strength of the “You Are Not Alone” campaign lies in its integrated approach—recognising the strong correlation between gambling behaviours and substance abuse. The sessions emphasise the psychological manipulation used by both drug dealers and illegal gambling operators, particularly through misleading social media content.
With synthetic drugs becoming more accessible and harder to detect, the campaign also brings attention to the dual vulnerability of students—who often fall prey to both gambling and substance exposure through the same online channels.
Looking Forward: A Model for Regional Engagement
The success of the “You Are Not Alone” campaign could serve as a model for other EU member states grappling with similar youth protection challenges. By combining law enforcement expertise, educational outreach, and digital intervention, Bulgaria is taking a proactive stance in reshaping youth awareness.
With continued support, expanded school coverage, and regulatory enforcement, the campaign aims to establish a culture of informed decision-making and resilience among Bulgaria’s next generation.
