Over 300,000 people stormed the Beach, Please, music festival in Costinesti. Compared to last year’s edition, the number of attendees doubled. The event took place between July 9 and 13, and ticket prices ranged from 90 euros to 500, according to information displayed by organizers.
Just like last year, the festival sparked a strong debate among the public about the safety of teenagers and young people attending, as they are exposed to songs that incite violence, drug use, as well as the possibility of accidents caused by overcrowding or intoxications with alcohol or prohibited substances.
The incident that triggered an emotional response from the general public occurred during the performance of rapper Destroy Lonely, who instigated a 15-year-old adolescent, called on stage, to jump off it, which was at a height of over 3 meters.
Several video clips posted on social media show the artist pushing the young person, who landed on a metal fence, being urgently taken to the hospital with serious injuries but without his life being in danger.
Police in Constanta County have launched an investigation, preparing a criminal case for "involuntary bodily harm."
The incident echoed the intense debate from last year triggered by one of the artists at the same festival who smoked marijuana on stage.
Also, at the same event, Andrew Tate, a former fighter, facing charges of rape and human trafficking, was invited on stage, and several performers promoted songs that glorified drug use.
"Selly, you are responsible for the event, throughout it. What you promote for money is grotesque and unimaginable," wrote a person on Selly's official Facebook page, Andrei Șelaru, the festival manager and one of the biggest influencers in Romania.
The debate surrounding this event is extremely intense, especially since the minimum age for access to the event is 14, although this year a new rule was introduced requiring minors aged 14 and 15 to attend only accompanied by "a parent or guardian, who must also pay for the ticket."
A Framework of Safety
EXPERT. Andreea Goliță, couple and family psychotherapist, internationally accredited, with 15 years of experience, believes that a strong emotional bond between parent and child is a lifesaver for the latter when exposed to psychological and physical dangers
The discussion with Andreea Goliță aimed to learn from a specialist what a parent should do if a teenager asks to attend such an event.
- those who are more indifferent and believe that young people need to toughen up, learn to take care of themselves, and handle things on their own;
- parents who accept their children's participation but accompany them;
- adults who simply prohibit participation, criticizing events they consider dangerous from all perspectives;
A Burden for Parents
Beach, Please Festival. A campaign aimed at young people that emphasizes empathic communication, breathing spaces, and psychological support for those who feel overwhelmed at the festival, regardless of the reason.
announced Tudor Pop in a Facebook post, noting that his initiative was successful among event participants.
psychotherapist Andreea Goliță, the issue was raised that the entire burden of responsibility regarding the safety of the minor rests on the parents, who have limited means or do not know the most appropriate decision.
Specialists' Puzzlement
Andreea Goliță, psychotherapist
If a parent tends to let their child participate in such an event because they want to be with their group of friends, see their favorite artist or band, or let them experience it, then the parent should set certain limits, safe spaces, get to know the group they are going with, establish alert messages, so they have control and are there for their child...
stated psychologist Mihai Copăceanu in a Facebook comment.
The bewilderment expressed publicly by several psychologists and psychotherapists these days is related to the attitude of the organizers and authorities, who allow unaccompanied minors to access an event where they are constantly exposed to messages that are dangerous to their health, accidents, and even physical violence.