Quality preschool, paid leave for sick children and greater financial assistance are top priorities for parents in Europe and Central Asia - UNICEF survey

GENEVA, 5 June 2024 – Quality preschool and childcare, paid leave for sick children, greater financial assistance and mental health support were identified as top priorities for parents in Europe and Central Asia, according to survey findings published today by UNICEF during parenting month, celebrated annually in June. 

Nearly three quarters of parents reported needing stronger parenting support but only half had been able to access it. Most parents sought support from friends, family, neighbours and UNICEF’s Bebbo parenting app, which provides expert advice on child health and development. Less commonly parents turned to community organisations, government and public services for support.

Nearly 5,000 parents from 13 countries in Europe and Central Asia were surveyed through the mobile app, Bebbo. The survey asked parents to identify key priorities for stronger government and employer support for parents. 

“The early parenting years can be overwhelming, but they are a unique window of opportunity to build strong developmental foundations for a child’s whole life,” said Ivelina Borisova, UNICEF Regional Advisor for Early Childhood Development in Europe and Central Asia

“These survey results are a direct call to action from parents to decision makers and employers to strengthen support systems to guarantee the environment the youngest citizens need to thrive.”  

“These survey results are a direct call to action from parents to decision makers and employers to strengthen support systems to guarantee the environment the youngest citizens need to thrive.”  

Ensuring the best start in life for children requires sustained collaboration across all sectors and sustained support for parents. In Europe and Central Asia, UNICEF works with governments to strengthen health, education and social welfare systems and critical services such as home visiting, early childhood education, and social care benefits, including parental leave.

UNICEF advocates for universal access to parenting support programmes, child benefits and affordable childcare and preschool. Tailored and more intensive support is vital for parents with complex family needs including parents of children with disabilities, refugees and those living in poverty or facing other vulnerabilities. 

Employers play a critical role in creating family friendly working environments. UNICEF urges employers to provide flexible working options, childcare options, and paid time off for sick children.

Notes to Editors

4,816 parents in countries including Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, Kosovo*, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Ukraine, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan responded to the survey. 

The Bebbo parenting app was launched by UNICEF Europe and Central Asia in 2019 to provide parents with expert advice on all aspects of their children’s health and well-being. It is available in 15 countries and languages and has been downloaded by more than one million parents.  

*All references to Kosovo should be understood to be in the context of United Nations Security Council resolution 1244 (1999).