The opposition Social Democrats (SDP) called on Croatia's Health Minister, Vili Beros, to adopt measures to 'protect and improve' the health of children and young people, especially their mental health.

The appeal was issued on Friday to coincide with World Children’s Day.

They cited research conducted among pre-school and school children indicating high rates of violence, mental disorders, and a general decline in healthy lifestyles among youths and children.

According to these studies, violence is present in all age groups, with physical violence being more prevalent among younger children and verbal violence among older children. An estimated 20 percent of children suffer from mental health disorders such as depression, eating or behaviour disorders, and anxiety, the party said in a statement.

Quality free time has been replaced by the use of electronic devices, which has led to increasing rates of obesity among children, and the present coronavirus crisis – which requires both children and their parents to adapt to a new teaching environment, will have both short-term and long-term effects on children, the SDP warned.

They said that during the current public health crisis special emphasis should be put on protecting the mental health of children, and called on the Health Ministry to adopt specific measures designed to protect and improve the health of children and young people, especially their mental health.